The University of the Philippines Department of Communication Research (DCRes) formally concluded its 50th anniversary celebration, “Balik Tambay sa Comm Res,” on 7 April 2026 through a series of culminating events held at the UP College of Media and Communication.
The celebration opened with the Spotlights and Shadows exhibit, inspired by sociologist Erving Goffman’s concept of everyday life as performance. Through this lens, the exhibit highlighted how communication researchers navigate both visible outputs and the often unseen processes that inform their scholarship. It underscored that behind every study, theory, and discovery is a sustained engagement with curiosity, creativity, and lived experience.
In the afternoon, faculty members, students, alumni, and guests convened at the CMC Auditorium for the Legacy Lecture delivered by Dr. Violeda Umali, titled “Elevating Communication as Scholarship: The Enduring and Evolving Legacy of the UP Department of Communication Research.” The lecture reflected on the department’s contributions to the field and its continuing role in shaping communication scholarship in the Philippines.
The anniversary celebration concluded with the Comm Res Open House and Homecoming, where members of the DCRes community gathered to reconnect and celebrate shared histories. The program featured video presentations highlighting faculty members, opportunities for fellowship, and a selection of UP street food.
The 50th anniversary celebration marks an important milestone in DCRes’s history, reaffirming its commitment to advancing communication research, nurturing critical inquiry, and engaging with communities. As the department moves forward, it carries its legacy with it while continuing to grow and respond to the changing needs of scholarship and society. -Sto. Tomas, 2026
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