Online Interview by FEU Advocate on October 22, 2022:

FEU ADVOCATE (FA): When did you take office as the Department of Communication Chair?

Herwin B. Cabasal (HBC): Effective since October 1, 2021. 

FA: What plans do you have in hand to further improve and innovate the current state of the Department of Communication considering that we are still in the midst of conducting online classes? Have you started working on any of these?

HBC: Considering that we are still in the midst of a pandemic that has brought us to conduct online classes, it did not deter the Department of Communication from continuing its offering of high-quality education. I cannot deny that it is indeed a challenge for all of us, but because of our resilience, the department still managed to respond and adapt to these trying times. An example of this is the improvement of the modules that suit the needs of the students during the time of pandemic. We are also working on a series of new virtual activities for our students. 

Starting this term, we also added Cluster Heads on both tracks. 

Prof. Chrissy Ustaris will be the cluster head for Digital Cinema Track, while Prof. Nikko Visperas will be the cluster head for Convergent Media Track. Their roles are equally important to ensure that the department effectively caters to the needs of both students and the faculty. 

FA: What do you think are some of the current lapses in the department and how are you planning to amend those?

HBC: Before the pandemic, our Communication students were used to producing their projects (e.g., film/video production, electronic news gathering, research) in traditional ways, meaning they could meet face to face. Understandably, it is now a challenge considering that we also follow the health protocols which limit these activities that usually require the physical presence of the students and faculty members. 

However, despite these restrictions, the department finds ways to move forward even during the time of former Department Chair Anansa Dijan. Communication as a field has its capability of exploring and taking on alternative forms of how projects or productions can still be done. The department, through the collective effort and brilliance of its faculty members, continues its planning and implementation of creative and effective ways of sustaining a culture of learning even in an online setup. 

For instance, our Communication students still managed to produce various forms of media within the vicinities and safety of their homes, compounds, or provinces where they currently are. Instead of merely reacting to the limitations, I could say that our students, with the guidance of their professors, bravely confront these trying times with creativity, talents, and skills that also adapt to the current situations. 

FA: Among these plans, what will be your top priority?

HBC: Safety and health. They are the top priority. In every plan and project that we do in the department, we always see to it that the safety and health of the students and faculty members will be the top priority. 

Quality education is also a top priority. We maintain and bring in the high-caliber faculty members, both academics and practitioners, to the department who have this genuine concern [malasakit] in the success of our Communication students.   

FA: In what year did you first assume a job at FEU and what was your first job position in the University?

I started in FEU in AY 2015-2016 as a Lecturer. 

FA: How shall you describe the FEU Department of Communication by the end of your term?

HBC: The Department of Communication at Far Eastern University continues in its mission of championing “may alam, may pakialam” [socially aware and involved] movement. We, the faculty members and the students, proudly anchor our program in the advocacy of utilizing the field of communication and media as a significant contributor to social transformation. 

Malaki ang ginagampanan ng larangan ng Komunikasyon sa ating bayan. 

To our Communication students, rest assured that your intellect, skills, and creativity are valued by the department. As future practitioners and leaders in the field of broadcasting, print, theater arts, cinema, advertising, and new media, I am confident that the future of this nation is in good hands because of how you equip yourselves with the critical consciousness and solution-driven mindset and actions. 

Sa ating bawat paglikha, nawa’y manatili tayong mulat, malaya, at mapagpalaya. 

FA: As the possibilities to conduct face-to-face classes increase, how do you plan to execute such activities while ensuring the safety of the students? 

HBC: I believe that the execution of activities while ensuring the safety of the students must be a collective effort of the government agencies, university management, and the department. The Department of Communication will definitely follow and implement the safety and health protocols to avoid any unfortunate circumstances for our students if in case we conduct face-to-face classes. While waiting for that possibility, the department also prepares everything that should be considered first. 

Maraming Salamat.

Link: https://feuadvocate.net/feu-depcomm-selects-new-department-chair/