Development communication is the art and science of human communication, whereas one uses different mediums and communication tools to help widen the awareness of a community and provide the information needed for progression. As to what the founders and mother of development communication, Nora C. Quebral, says; “development communication is the art and science of human communication linked to a society’s planned transformation from a state of poverty to one dynamic socio-economic growth that makes for greater equality and the larger unfolding of individual potentials.”

Defining DevCom as an art: we see DevCom as very generous and selfless creation. An individual in the field of development communication is an artist that gives so much effort to its art piece and asks for nothing in the return and is even hardly rewarded for its sacrifice. A DevCom practitioner values the thought that giving is far more greater than receiving. Being unselfish, embracing humility and learning to see each and every individual for what they really are is a gift no one can ever take away. Getting to see life from a different lens is far more rewarding than seeing it averagely. Being a DevCom practitioner widens your understanding and gives a far greater instinct to make a difference than of others.

Development Communication as a science; how you may ask? Well, DevCom, alike any other fields revolving around the study of science, also starts with one hypothesis, turned into a problem, searching for a solution and studying the effects. These processes whom DevCom practitioners have come to embrace and are still currently looking for other ways of exemplifying it. For example, a DevCom practitioner will not just study its’ possible prospects, a DevCom practitioner will dig deeper to find out the roots and causes of problems inside a community through practicing immersion.

The essence of a real DevCom practitioner cannot be found in a piece of paper calling you a development communicator—it is found in the hearts of those who apprehend the real meaning of development communication—it is found in the depths of the minds of those who have understood the voice of the people.

Posted by: Richelle B. Conanan