FICS Theses and Dissertations
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Theses and dissertations by graduate students from the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies.
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ItemA Narrative Inquiry into the Sensemaking on Maharlika Funds Among Educators of a Manila-based University( 2024-10-15)Anchored on narrative inquiry into the sensemaking of nine educators from a Manila-based university, the study analyzed and restoryed their stories about the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), a sovereign wealth fund (SWF) approved under the Marcos administration and how these shaped their thoughts. As a developing country, there is doubt the SWF will flourish since it is suffering from inflation, debt, and trade deficit. While the intents are good, there is little understanding about it. Using restorying, thematic analysis, sequence analysis, and word cloud, teachers’ narratives were gathered that led to the following themes and sequencing: distrust and skepticism; lack of understanding and knowledge; concerns over transparency and accountability; perceived risks and benefits; and a need for public involvement and consultation. Distrust and skepticism point to an apprehension about the MIF that resonates a deeper sentiment about government initiatives. Such skepticism could be attributed to historical contexts where the Philippines faced issues of fund mismanagement in the past. The lack of understanding and knowledge about the MIF shows a gap in communicating and educating the public about it. This implies that there is a need for an effective information dissemination system to increase people’s awareness. Transparency and accountability show that a more strategic framework must be developed for MIF operations. As well, the perceived risks outweigh the benefits for fear of flawed financial management and corruption.
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ItemA Himalayan Trekker's Journey of Self-Discovery, Self-Knowledge and Consciousness through Dialogue towards Embodied Communication within the Phenomenological Framework( 2023-08-11)Self-discovery, self-knowledge and awareness, alertness and consciousness (in a state of Mindfulness) are keys to experiencing the fullness and exuberance of daily living, the very essence of human life and existence. It is through the quality (or non-quality) of human experiences of everyday living are derived or defined, or refined, our respective meanings and purposes in life. The Question of – what brings quality to daily life or our entire lives depends on the answers one provides which concerns fundamentally – how one experiences life on a day-to-day basis, which becomes weeks to months, then into years. The writer is curious as to how this may be explored, that is, to attaining that “quality of life” and “integrating that quality to everyday”, hence the importance of the topic of interest. Fortunately, the discovery of trekking the Himalayas presented itself, as though an answered prayer to pressing questions of the human heart and mind. To problematize such a dilemma, the study sought answers to the following research questions. I. What are the trekking experiences that evolved my perspectives and interpretations of my lived worlds? II. How do such interpretations communicate its expressions that influence my narratives of self-knowledge and consciousness? III. Why is it important to me to recognize the dialogues of such expressions of the self to the self in relation to the interpretations of my lived experiences of trekking? To cast order into such an ambitious inquiry, the research framework consisted of grounding theories such as Phenomenology as a tradition of communication etc. and thematic dimensions which specifically addresses the integration of the five human senses to the lived experiences of the researcher during trekking – which awakened the “intelligence for communication” within the being, thereby improving attention, focus and consciousness (in a state of mindfulness) resulting to meaningful experiences of the self-being and the realities of the outside perceived worlds. The tradition of Qualitative Research was used in the study, particularly the Phenomenological research approach. It provided the techniques to derive or construct a shared meaning of the experiences in trekking, a richer and fuller understanding of the phenomenon of “communication” where it manifested “the whole” (i.e. understanding the meanings of the experiences as it happens through communication within and with others, including the commune with Nature etc). while consisting of consistent assumptions of human nature and society (Evelyn Jacob). The results of the study provided answers to the research questions, as summarized below: 1. The trekking experiences was the game changer - it challenged the body, mind and psychological tenacity – the rough terrain, extreme weather conditions and temperature, high altitudes and eminent dangers of landslides, avalanches and unstable edges of the trail hanging over a cliff etc. It awakened the five human senses and the being within (ie. that which who speaks and truly communicates). It makes the mind to re-examine life and death scenarios, what is truly important in life and the changes that are needed to make life meaningful, and even worthwhile, given that it is indeed short, and for that, it can be taken in any point in time (ie. anywhere, not necessarily in the mountains etc.) 2. The seeking for answers to the dilemma of “what is the quality of life?” impresses the need to understand, which existed in the possibility of communication. In other words, essences of the meaning of life and as to how to improve everyday experiencing in general, were communicated through thoughts, feelings and emotions of the being within – thus the perceptions. Little or no recognition is given to such a happening, a happening of communication, rather to misconstrued illusions by the unconscious mind that over romanticizes the influx of external misgivings of unnecessary information and entertainment of a dulled mind and muted being. 3. It cannot be overemphasized here in the study, the importance of self-knowledge, self-awareness and consciousness (a state of mindfulness) – as it is the key to self-resiliency in many aspects of human everyday life. As a collective, the study is also relevant to Organizational Management level, where it improves the quality of leadership, comradery and communities of practice etc., hence raising the quality of organizational performance, profitability and human resources development. Applicable to the Public & Private Sector organizations, the Development Sector, the Academe etc. The contribution of the above answers to the Communication field is that - attaining self-knowledge, enlightenment (ie. in the context of logical reasoning) and resiliency of human beings - where life could possibly be fully expressed and experienced into existence. Into existence of the experience, manifest the materiality of the lived worlds which can only be experienced in the constituted world of communication. Hence, the study argues that existence can only be experienced through existing in communication – in one’s experience. Thus, the study supports and dares to contribute to the affirmation of other existing literature that - Communication theory as a field, is that of coherence as it exists in all multidisciplinary fields, for without the dialogical-dialectical constitutive nature of communication, no one can know the existence of anything that exists.
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ItemThe Development of a Web-based Membership Tracking Information System for a Karate Martial Arts School in the Philippines( 2025-08-19)A karate martial arts school that has many branches in the Philippines faced challenges in managing its growing membership base and keeping track of important information, which resulted in inefficiencies, errors, and decreased member satisfaction. To address these issues, a karate martial arts school in the Philippines needed an effective membership tracking information system to automate membership management, improve communication, streamline data management, and enhance member engagement. The methodology used to prove the successful implementation of the proposed information system was to utilize the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Socio- Technical Systems Theory (STS), and the Information Processing Theory (IPT). The Web-Based Membership Tracking Information System (WBMTIS) was developed to provide better accessibility, present up-to-date information on karate practitioners, and create a customized platform tailored to a karate martial arts school aimed at utilizing open-source technologies. Throughout the development process of WBMTIS, frameworks such as Scrum and ADDIE, were used with modifications to these frameworks in order to aid in the successful implementation and acceptance of the system based on information system theories included in the research. The research helped in identifying the unique needs of the karate martial arts school and tailor-fitted the system according to the stakeholders wants and needs. The overall result of implementing the WBMTIS affirmed the system’s functional effectiveness and high level of user acceptance due to a yielded mean score of 91.25 based on the usability testing conducted using the System Usability Scale (SUS), therefore classifying the WBMTIS under the usability category of “Excellent”. The information system theories used in the study were grounded in TAM, STS, and IPT, which assisted in the system’s design, human-computer interaction, and adoption strategy. These frameworks supported the evaluation of the system’s ease of use, social and organizational integration, and cognitive efficiency in information processing. The study concludes that the system successfully met its objectives and offers a practical model for digital transformation within martial arts organizations. Recommendations for future enhancement include the integration of an online payment gateway, push notifications, calendar synchronization, an internal messaging module such as chat, an advanced analytics dashboard, and an e-learning component to extend instructional reach and system functionality.
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ItemExploring the Digital Community Building Among Filipino Gay Men with HIV in Alter Spaces( 2025-07-15)The HIV epidemic in the Philippines continues to rise, with Filipino men who have sex with men living with HIV (MSMLHIVs) facing persistent stigma and discrimination that impact their health management, emotional well-being, and social support systems. In response, many MSMLHIVs have turned to alter accounts on X (formerly Twitter) as a means of building and sustaining digital communities, where they can freely express themselves while maintaining anonymity. This study employs descriptive phenomenology to explore the lived experiences of MSMLHIVs in these digital spaces, particularly focusing on how alter account interactions influence their personal health management, emotional resilience, and sense of belonging. Findings reveal that alter communities on X serve as safe spaces where MSMLHIVs can seek peer support, exchange health-related information, and navigate identity formation without fear of judgment. These communities provide psychosocial benefits, offering a sense of security, solidarity, and empowerment. However, challenges such as misinformation, emotional detachment, and digital trust concerns also emerged, highlighting the complexities of navigating online anonymity. While digital interactions supplement gaps in offline support systems, they do not fully replace the need for institutional interventions, inclusive policies, and structured mental health programs. This study contributes to the discourse on digital community-building, queer safe spaces, and health communication by providing critical insights for health professionals, policymakers, and social media platforms to improve inclusive and stigma-free support systems for MSMLHIVs. Future research is recommended to explore longitudinal effects of digital community engagement and the role of AI-driven interventions in HIV advocacy and mental health support. Keywords: MSM, PLHIV, HIV stigma, digital communities, alter accounts, social support, health communication, phenomenology
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ItemFrom Arms to Farms: Communication Triggers Towards Transformation of Former Moro Islamic Liberation Front Combatants( 2024-08-19)After years of getting involved in armed conflict, former combatants often face challenges in changing their roles and identities as they transition to civilian life. Various programs had been implemented to support their transformation. In Lanao del Norte, Philippines, the former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) transitioned to becoming organic farmers through the “From Arms to Farms” program implemented by the local government of Kauswagan. However, the program’s economic opportunities were not just the motivations that pushed them to join the program. Different communication strategies and triggers influenced their decision to transform their lives. Despite existing studies on the transition of former combatants to civilian life, little is known about how communication shapes their decisions toward starting anew. This study filled this gap by exploring how communication facilitated the transformation of former MILF combatants into organic farmers. This study used narrative inquiry and Bruner’s “subjunctivization” concept to examine the narratives of five former MILF combatants and the views of the Municipal Agriculture Officer of Kauswagan town. The results of this study showed the communication triggers that influenced the former combatants to transform their lives such as (a) personal motivations, such as their desire to have financial security and a better future for their families; (b) sincere engagement of the local authorities; (c) peer support and influence; (d) key messaging of the program’s benefits, and (e) consistent communication and regular visits. The local government of Kauswagan also established an online group chat to sustain communication with the former combatants which provided practical and real-time communication to keep them updated and engaged about the program and other activities in the town. The use of this communication channel hastened their transformation process. Moreover, this study highlighted the importance of building trust and providing resources, community-based training, and support in marketing their harvests. Constant dialogue and institutional support were also vital in their transformation.