SCOP asserts identities in globalized/glocalized communication contexts
The Speech Communication Organization of the Philippines (SCOP) provided a forum to assert identities in globalized and glocalized communication contexts during its 26th National Convention at the Development Academy of the Philippines Conference Center, Tagaytay City on May 20 to 22, 2011.
The theme, "Asserting Identities in a Globalized/Glocalized World through Speech Communication", was impelled by the shrinking, borderless world which has brought about both opportunities and threats to the identities and aspirations of professionals and citizens.
Some of the questions answered during the convention were: Does a Filipino acquiring the American accent learned in call centers make less of heritage? Should the neutral vowel schwa or the liaison of English rhythm be set aside to manifest Asian culture? Will concise language and direct tone diminish Malayan courtesy? Do nonassertive responses blur leadership projection?
Realizing the implications of globalization and the rise of glocalization, the convention achieved the following convention objectives:
1. Analyze how tensions between phases of globalization and glocalization shape and reshape an identity; 2. Demonstrate speech communication techniques that enable individuals to be assertive in a globalized/glocalized world; 3. Enhance personal literacy to meet global and local needs that ultimately lead to professional growth.
Speakers included Dr. Paul A. Dumol of the University of Asia and the Pacific, Hon. Cecilia Quisumbing of the Commission on Human Rights, Mr. Ryan Kaliph C. Buenafe of AXA Philippines, and Mr. Nick Lizaso of the Theater Education and Training Committee of the International Theater Institute-UNESCO.
The convention also bade goodbye to SCOP's highly respected speech educators/founders Dr. Priscilla Arguelles, Dr. Angela Sarile, Prof. Isabel S. Soriano, and Dr. Zenaida S. Martinez who retired as officers of the SCOP Board.
Mr. Joeven R. Castro, SCOP President from 2009-2011, spearheaded the amendment of the SCOP Constitution and mission-vision which now includes socio-moral transformation as the ultimate goal of the advocacy of SCOP, aside from professional enhancement.
Reps. Marcos and Cortuna grace 2010 SCOP Midyear Seminar-Workshop
Representatives Imelda Marcos of Ilocos Norte and Julieta R. Cortuna of A Teacher Party List keynoted the 2010 Midyear Seminar-Workshop of SCOP last October 2010. The participants composed of students and faculty members from all over the country learned various insights on the theme "e-Government Transparency and Interconnectivity with the Academe through Effective Speech Techniques".
A workshop was conducted with Prof. Isabel S. Soriano of John Robert Powers and Pacific Management Forum as trainer. She trained them on speech techniques using new media. Mr. Joey Alarilla of Yahoo! Southeast Asia discussed "Speech and New Media: Convergence and/or Divergence?" Atty. Stephanie Tenefrancia-Castro of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Baguio-Benguet shared her insights on "Transparent and Accountable e-Government".
The Midyear Seminar-Workshop is an annual event that provides both lectures and hands-on training on speech techniques.
SCOP officer earns lifetime achievement award
The Speech Communication Organization of the Philippines (SCOP) congratulates its officer, Prof. Isabel Sevilla Soriano, who was conferred Lifetime Achievement Award by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association last June 26. She graduated with the degree BA English Literature, cum laude, from UP Diliman.Prof. Soriano joined FEU in 1957 and taught for almost 40 years. She was one of the pioneer faculty members of the FEU Department of Speech and Drama, which is recognized as the first department in this discipline in the Philippines.
Prof. Soriano is a highly respected educator because of her contribution to the promotion of speech and theater education and performance in the country. After obtaining her MA in Speech Arts from Columbia University, she co-authored with her sister the book English Pronunciation for Filipino College Students, which remains to be a primary reference material for Speech courses in several universities because of its technical but practical ways of learning English rhythm and phonetics.
She was performer and director of remarkable speech and theater presentations such as “Portraits of the Filipino as Seen through Folk Dance”. She was winner of two international contests – the Caceres and Palma Mallorca. She earned the reputation as “Outstanding Stage Actress of the Year” by no less than critic Rosalinda Orosa.
During her acceptance speech last June 24, on behalf of the awardees, she said, “These awards tonight represent that vision. They will remind us always of what we vowed, when we first committed ourselves to the life of the academe and brought it forth to our own lives: to keep alive in all with whom we persevered the faith in the power of the cultured Filipino, the courage to seek truth, and the strength to live fully and greatly for our Philippines.”
In 1990, she received the prestigious Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teacher Award for college level.
Currently, she serves as consultant and trainer in Pacific Management Forum and John Robert Powers.