My thesis defense last Wednesday was both a culmination and a commencement for me. It culminated my three years of studies here in Italy and at the same time, it commenced a new stage in my communications ministry.
It was a beautiful sunshiny day. I arrived at my university two hours before the scheduled thesis defense. I asked permission from the dean not to defend my thesis in a classroom but in the university radio studio. I told the dean that it was the place I felt most at home in and besides, my thesis is about participatory radio and video. Around 15 people were there, including the three panelists. I arranged the chairs in such a way that the whole set-up would be informal, warm, and interactive. I prepared audio and video clips and incorporated them into my powerpoint presentation. I did not use the school’s pull-down projector screen, instead I projected my presentation onto the concrete wall of the radio studio. I invited two Filipino migrant workers to give two-minute testimonies about the participatory communication I initiated with them.
If I were to summarize my thesis, it would be this: My own personal experience of catalyzing Filipino migrants in Rome has taught me that participatory radio and video are not about doing something for the people but about the people doing something for themselves. The role of the people and their communities is central to the realization of participatory dialogue and empowerment. They have to be fully involved, committed and in fact, take the initiative. They have to be totally convinced that dialogue and empowerment through participatory radio and video are not only possible but also necessary.
It took me 35 minutes to deliver my thesis presentation. And the question and answer portion took around 45 minutes. I received very positive feedbacks from my thesis adviser and from the panelists. My thesis was graded 30 lode, the maximum.
Thanks to all of you who prayed for me, inspired me and supported me in my endeavors.
ciao fr.
CONGRATULATION PO!!!!!!!!
bong,cel&kaye
congratulations fr. stephen! (“,)
wow!!!!congratulations padre!
Congratulations!
Congratulations!!!! Mabuhay and GOD BLESS….
man0y, kudos!!!
from us all…
IM
Bravissimo!
Congrats Friend! You’re such a great one.
bimbim
naks! galing mo Padre….
Congratulations Steve! So pleased it all went well for you – the product of lots of hard work.
congrats!
Stephen, Congratulations with your succesful commencement. Greetings!
Congratulations! I tried to open the video box hoping to see you delivering your thesis defense live. I know I wouldn’t have understood cuz you were speaking in Italian but it would’ve been nice to see you in action. Again, CONGRATULATIONS and see you soon.
Congratulations, sir, on the exam. Pray The good Lord let the internet, and thy vision of salvation, be accessible and joinable to us all.
Anders Woje Ellingsen
Norway
Fr., Cuyos, Congratulations! Though you know me not, I am very proud of what you have accomplished through your contributions of your talents for all Filipinos, for socially responsible IT, for mankind, and esp. for all MSC Brethren! The gist of your Thesis can and should guide the continuing IT revolution. And truly at a personal level, you are one of those who have answered this challenge rather easily – ask not what you can achieve but what you can contribute! May your example propagates more of you!
-Joet Reoma
Father Stephen, CONGRATULATION!
Im so proud of you.
Father Stephen, CONGRATULATION!
Im so proud of you.
Lyn
Fads,
Your the Best! Congrats and may you have more blessings and guidance from our Lord…
Bong, Grace and Shannen
hello father,kumosta na po kayo…congratulation, po,,,,,
mis na kayo namin,,regards from fccr of rotterdam
Congratulations Padre!
i LIKE YOUR THESIS…I work with a university at the research office..can we possibly invite you as resource speaker? how do we contact you? Please email me at facuyos57@yahoo.com