VSU DevCom student gets Community Journalism Grant from RBSFI

Ms. Adonna C. Nilo, a junior Bachelor of Science in Development Communication (BSDC) student, is the first #ProudViscan recipient of the Community Journalism Scholarship Grant from the Rosario Braid Scholarship Fund, Incorporated (RBSFI). 

The simple turnover ceremony was held on September 13, 2024, at the Conference Hall of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. This occasion marked a significant milestone in Ms. Nilo’s academic journey, recognizing her commitment to communication and community journalism.

Ms. Nilo, a consistent university scholar and the current President of the VSU Development Communicators' Society (DeCSo), was selected as the recipient of this grant due to her academic excellence and leadership in promoting the field of development communication. 

RBSFI, a non-profit organization led by renowned writer, educator, artist, and communication expert Dr. Florangel Rosario Braid, provides support to aspiring young journalists and communicators who demonstrate outstanding potential in the field of media and communication.

Dr. Braid, who was one of the framers of the 1986 Philippine Constitution, has dedicated her career to championing communication, education, and human rights. The RBSFI reflects her lifelong advocacy for empowering communities through journalism and education. 

She currently serves as President Emeritus and Senior Adviser of the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC).

Her significant contributions to the field of communication have been recognized by various award-giving bodies being the recipient of the 2007 Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Awards for Literature and Journalism, the 2008 Hildegard Awards for Women in Media and Communication, and the 2008 AMIC Asian Communication Outstanding Research Award. 

In 2019, she was awarded a plaque of recognition by the College of Mass Communication (CMC) of Silliman University as one of its pioneering journalism professors where she was recognized for her excellent contribution and leadership in communication research, education, policy development, peace advocacy, and international cooperation. 

An author of numerous works, her publications include books on communication, information technology, continuing education, cooperatives, and sustainable development, along with several journals on public broadcasting.

The scholarship turnover event was attended by VSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Rotacio S. Gravoso, and VSU Department of Development Communication (DDC) Head, Dr. Ulderico B. Alviola. 

In his message, Dr. Gravoso expressed his gratitude for the continued support from the RBSFI, noting that the scholarship grant will help develop more young journalists who can contribute to shaping the future of responsible journalism in the Philippines.

Dr. Alviola echoed these sentiments, highlighting Ms. Nilo’s achievements and the importance of such grants in advancing the development communication field. 

"Ms. Nilo’s dedication to her studies and her work in the DeCSo is an inspiration. This scholarship will further equip her with the tools to create meaningful change in her future career," he said.

Ms. Nilo, in her heartfelt speech, expressed deep appreciation for the scholarship and the opportunity it provides. 

"This grant is not just financial support but a validation of my passion for journalism and community service. I am truly grateful to Dr. Rosario Braid and the RBSFI for this recognition, and I pledge to use this opportunity to continue advocating for truth and development through communication," the scholarship recipient explained.

The Rosario Braid Scholarship Fund aims to inspire and support the next generation of communicators, reinforcing the legacy of its founder, whose work has shaped the fields of journalism and education both in the Philippines and internationally.

Ms. Nilo joins 5 other students from other universities in the Philippines who are the pioneering grantees of the RBSFI. Aside from VSU, other universities that were included in this scholarship grant include Bicol University, Silliman University, University of Mindanao, and Mindanao State University.

The first #ProudViscan to obtain this scholarship will receive a semestral grant of Php 60,000.00 beginning this first semester of the Academic Year 2024 to 2025. She will also be subjected to special mentorship sessions on community journalism from the RBSFI. 

VSU Professor Emeritus and renowned international social scientist Dr. Monina M. Escalada connected VSU-DevCom to RBSFI which allowed the department to secure a slot in this pioneering community journalism scholarship fund.

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal: No. 4 (Quality Education).]

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