UPLB College of Development Communication

16/10/2026

The College of Development Communication (CDC) congratulates its students for receiving a Special Recognition in the “Biotech for Reel: Reel-Making Competition on Agri-Biotech Applications” for their short-form video featuring UPLB’s ube genomics project. The awardees include the following:

Alessandra A. Arceta
Charlize Yesha M. Geneciran
Mark Lawrence P. Mendoza
Jazmine Claire D. Olorvida
Darrell James M. Oracion

Watch their reel on the Know The Science PH page here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CSu8foUL3/

It highlighted the research program being led by Dr. Antonio G. Lalusin of the UPLB Institute of Crop Science (ICropS) on developing robust ube varieties to help farmers meet the skyrocketing demand for the crop in local and international markets. Featured in the reel is one of their research aides, Mr. John Marcial Pacis.

Held as part of National Biotechnology Week (NBW), the competition was led by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA.org), headquartered at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), a longstanding partner of CDC in fostering public understanding of evidence-based agriculture and food science.

The entry is part of their multimedia storytelling series popularizing scientific data for DEVC 127 (Data Journalism for Development) under the tutelage of Asst. Prof. Miguel Victor T. Durian.

They received a plaque of recognition and a P3,500 cash prize during an awarding ceremony held on 24 September 2026 at the DENR Multipurpose Hall in Diliman, Quezon City.

Your CDC family is proud of you!

📸DENR-SCIS

16/10/2026

16/10/2026

The College of Development Communication (CDC) extends its appreciation to everyone who joined the inaugural Juan F. Jamias Annual Lecture on Science Journalism and Science Communication, held on 12 October 2026 at the Nora C. Quebral Hall, University of the Philippines Los Baños.

Established in honor of Dr. Juan F. Jamias, whose pioneering contributions helped shape the teaching and practice of science journalism and science communication in the Philippines, the annual lecture seeks to carry forward his legacy by providing a continuing platform for critical conversations on communicating science for public understanding and action.

For its inaugural edition, the lecture featured Dr. Rodel D. Lasco, Executive Director of the Oscar M. Lopez Center, who delivered the lecture, “From Peer Review to Public Action: Communicating Climate Science for Real-World Users.” His presentation underscored the important role of communication in translating climate science into knowledge and action that responds to the realities faced by communities.

Enriching the discussion were Dr. Fernando dlC. Paragas, Professor at UP Diliman; Dr. Laura T. David, Professor at UP Diliman; and Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz, Professor Emeritus at UPLB. As discussants, they offered perspectives from communication, marine science, environmental science, and natural resource management, further situating climate science communication within the broader challenges of public engagement, policy, and collective action.

The event was also graced by UP President Angelo A. Jimenez, who emphasized the University’s responsibility to bring science closer to the people through evidence-based public service. UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr. likewise lauded CDC for pioneering science journalism and science communication as fields of practice within the discipline of Development Communication.

Representing the family of Dr. Jamias were his daughter, Dr. Mariechelle Jamias-Navarro, and daughter-in-law, Dr. Serlie Barroga-Jamias, retired CDC faculty member, whose presence made the inaugural lecture especially meaningful as the College honored the life, work, and enduring influence of Dr. Jamias.

In his opening message, Associate Professor Winifredo Dagli proposed a Manifesto on Science Communication for Sustainable Futures as a framework for institutionalizing science communication practice and encouraged the audience to contribute to its continuing development.

Adding a visual expression of these ideas, a specially commissioned trophy titled “Kawayan at Buli,” created by artist Yvette Co, was presented during the inaugural lecture. Inspired by a lived experience of people working together to solve a problem using bamboo, buli leaves, local knowledge, and available resources, the piece reflects the collaborative, participatory, and culturally grounded character of science journalism and science communication.

The inaugural JFJ Lecture was spearheaded by CDC’s Department of Science Communication (DSC) and Department of Development Journalism (DDJ).

16/10/2026

15/10/2026

15/10/2026

The College of Development Communication joined the UPLB community in celebrating the 108th Loyalty Day, bringing together alumni, faculty, REPS, staff, students, and friends in a spirited celebration of history, service, and shared identity.

This year, CDC brought a touch of retro flair to the parade route with a dance number inspired by 80s disco OPM.

Thank you for celebrating—and grooving—with us. See you again next year!

12/10/2026

A look back at Speaking of Devcom 2026, which brought together members of the CDC community for an evening of stories and reflections on the many ways development communication is practiced across different fields.

This year’s featured speakers, our 2026 CDC Outstanding Alumni awardees, shared experiences from their work in education and research, science and risk communication, professional leadership, sustainability, and entrepreneurship—offering students and fellow practitioners a closer look at the diverse paths of development communication practice.

Thank you to our speakers, alumni, students, faculty, REPS, staff, and guests who joined us in this insightful and inspiring event.