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.