City of Dasmariñas, Cavite – The Communication and Journalism Department (CJD) of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) is set to conduct one of its major annual events called COMPACT or Communication Impact from November 20-22, 2023.
The selected theme this year is ‘RESILIENCE: The Role of Communication in Disaster, Risk, and Humanitarian Communication’ This year’s COMPACT aims to highlight the crucial role of media and information in disaster, risk, and humanitarian communication.
According to COMPACT 2023 Chair Associate Professor Marco Polo, the theme was selected for two reasons. First, is becaue the Philippines is a risk and disaster prone country, with many natural and man-made hazards. Filipinos have experienced various calamities and catastrophes throughout its recorded history. Second is that Disaster, Risk and Humanitarian Communication is now a core subject in the AB Communication curriculum in all communication schools in the country.
As an institution committed to producing well-rounded and socially responsible graduates, CJD recognizes the importance of fostering a culture of resilience. With the rising challenges posed by various natural and man-made disasters, it is imperative to prepare individuals, institutions, and communities to face these adversities head-on.
COMPACT 2023 holds the goal of not only education but also action. CJD, in collaboration with other departments, will take the lead in making DLSU-D a disaster-proof, risk-ready, and humane institution. By emphasizing the function of communication in disaster preparedness, risk mitigation, and humanitarian dialogue, COMPACT aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to be effective communicators in times of crises.
Media plays a vital role in shaping public perception and disseminating timely and accurate information. In the face of disasters and risks, the power of media amplifies, making it instrumental in coordinating relief efforts, mobilizing resources, and providing critical information to affected populations. By creating awareness and understanding about the role of media during crises, COMPACT 2023 aims to empower future journalists and communication professionals to serve as catalysts for positive change.
Humanitarian communication also holds significant importance in disaster response and recovery. Effective communication between first responders, humanitarian organizations, and affected communities can save lives, alleviate suffering, and restore hope. Through panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions, COMPACT 2023 will address the challenges and opportunities in humanitarian dialogue, with a focus on cultivating empathy, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity.
The following are the activities of COMPACT 2023. For day 1, there will be a parade of all the CJD students and their sections at the Julian Felipe Hall grounds at 8:00 am. This will be followed by a seminar at the Tanghalag Julia Felipe from 9:30-11:30 am. The seminar is entitled Risk-Silience: Builidng a Risk Ready Community. The speakers are Mr. Richard L. Ybañez, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Education Division of the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute and Mr. Gideon Legaspi, Associate Director for Health and Safety of the DLSU-D General Services Office.
In the afternoon there will be two simultaneos events that will engage the community as well as select students from several senior high schools. The activities are Red Alert: Disaster Response and Readiness Quiz and ResQ (Resilience Quest): A DRRM Amazing Race. Both will be held at the Tanghalag Julian Felipe.
On the second day of COMPACT 2023, a forum entitled Eyes Wide Open: Balancing Danger and Duty in Humanitarian Reporting will be held from 8:00 am – 10:00 am at the Tanghalang Julian Felipe (TJF). Sharing their field experiences are multi-media journalist Stanley Gajete and ABS-CBN reporter Jeff Caparas (COM ‘07). In the afternoon, the much anticipated Fashion Expo 2023 will also be held at the TJF. The evet is themed Ecouture: Rise, Reshape, Rebuild for a Greene Tomorrow. Student models and designers will showcase their wardrobes that interprets the theme of the event.
Finally on day 3 a seminar-worshop on basic life-support, first-aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitaiotn training will be held from 8:00 am – 10:00 am at the Multipurpose Hall, Waling-waling Girls Dormitory. Entitled Building Resilience: Empowering Communities Through Emergency Preparedness, the event is in cooperatin with the Lasallian Community Development Center. The CJD will also be one of the mass sponsors for the day which will be held at the University Chapel. COMPACT 2023 will close with an event that will commemorate the Maguindanao Massacre. It will be held from 4:00 – 5:00 pm at the JFH grounds. The CJD and its faculty and students are expected to call for an end to impunity and ensure the safety and security of media workers.
As CJD takes the lead in making DLSU-D a disaster-proof and risk-ready institution, it signifies the commitment towards creating a safe and resilient campus environment. The integration of disaster risk reduction strategies, effective communication plans, and coordinated response mechanisms will ensure that the university community is well-prepared to face any future challenges.
In conclusion, COMPACT 2023, aims to emphasize the function of media and information in disaster, risk, and humanitarian communication by equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills. CJD and DLSU-D aspire to contribute to a society that is prepared, informed, and resilient in the face of adversity.
COMPACT 2023 is supported by the following sponsors: Cream-O, XO, Great Taste, Chippy, Manila Diamond Lions Club, Iface Philippines and the University Student Government.
For more information about the various COMPACT activities, visit its official Facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/compact.cjd
