The College of Development Communication (CDC) in the University of the Philippines Los Banos is now Center of Excellence (COE) in Development Communication as declared by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The CDC now serves as a potent catalyst for world-class scholarships, best practices, innovative curriculum, research and extension, and professional development in communication.
A Center of Excellence (COE) is either a public or private higher education institution which has demonstrated the highest degree or level of standard along the areas of instruction, research and publications, extension and linkages, and institutional partnerships . A COE provides institutional leadership in all aspects of development in specific areas of discipline in the various regions by providing networking arrangements to help ensure the accelerated development of higher education institutions in its respective service areas.
“The CDC is now doubly inspired to pursue excellence in all aspects of development communication education,” Dean Ma. Theresa Velasco said. CDC conducts research on human development and on the processes, elements, and impacts of communication. The College likewise undertakes training, research, extension, and other development action projects.
CDC offers BS, MS and PhD programs in development communication. The BS Devcom program aims to train students to apply theories, principles, and techniques of communication to help solve issues and problems of a developing society. The MS and PhD programs tackle in greater depth and breadth the synergistic relationship between communication and development. Graduate students are trained to assume leadership roles in communication-related endeavors of government and the private sector.
CHED acts as a collegial body in formulating plans, policies, and strategies relating to higher education in the Philippines.