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Photo by Vea Jane Estrada |
The first-year communication students creatively presented their advocacies with a blend of fashion and style by showcasing different unique costumes that promote environmental care and preservation last March 15 & 16 at the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building.
This activity project, held last Friday and Saturday, was assigned by the course professor of their Communication Theory class (CA 3282), Ms. Vea Jane Estrada, wherein first-year communication students were assigned to semiotically create a national costume that represents different social issues and advocates love for the environment, aligned with United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, through a class fashion show in relation to their course lesson about Semiotics.
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| Photo by Vea Jane Estrada |
The students were tasked to use recycled and repurposed materials to produce their national costumes, aligned with UN’s SDG #12: “Responsible Consumption and Production”. Reusable materials, ranging from newspapers and plastics to used cloths and cardboard, were easily found in their respective homes and were used for pieces hand-crafted by the students to put together impressive and fashionable costumes and props.
For the presentation, students were given the creative liberty to show off their chosen advocacy. The groups showcased their concept with performances such as dance numbers and skits, with their selected student model wearing the assembled national costume, all to strut their classroom runways and flaunt their unique pieces.
Highlighted on some of the showcases are the values and culture integrated from the Philippines, such as local tribal cultures, Filipino resiliency, and relevant Philippine societal issues. Adding these onto the aspect of semiotics shows another layer of depth, effectively communicating the visual narrative woven into each costume.
Additionally, this event served as a platform to raise awareness, giving each group a chance to shed light on the motivation and inspiration behind their chosen concept. Throughout the performances, the students not only served visually, but also served as the voice in portraying issues and culture surrounding Filipino society.
As the event drew to a close, it was evident how students took the time and effort to merge the creativity and principles equipped within them by representing sustainability in each material used. This activity project was a fruitful experience in which they tested their skills and compelled them, as communication scholars, to think outside the box and present different matters with no limits.
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| Photo by Vea Jane Estrada |
Their dedication to executing this activity project with consideration for environmental care is indeed inspiring. Not to mention, with the use of their hands and minds, fashion has become a tool for advocacy, representation, and communication–a powerful reminder that a small action from an individual can lead to impactful changes.
Congratulations to all first-year communication students for accomplishing this preliminary project!
