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Cristina Bejosano
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Head, Media Relations and Science Writing
, International Agricultural Research Organization
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Hyderabad,
India
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Development communication specialist with 20 years experience in science writing/editing, publication/information materials production, media relations, and strategic communication/advocacy. With extensive experience in international research-for-development organizations related to agriculture, environment and natural resources. Committed to communicating social and economic development programs. |
 Contact Cristina Bejosano
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Area of Expertise: |
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Capacity Building, Training, Advocacy
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Communications, Media, Knowledge Management, Editor
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Professional Experience: |
I am currently employed as Head, Media Relations and Science Writing and Special Assistant to the Director General (DG) at an international agricultural research institute based in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. I am responsible for the Institute’s strategic communication and advocacy program, specifically in: developing and implementing a media relations strategy and writing key messages and science impact stories for the global and local media; strengthening the Institute’s visibility at the global, national, and regional levels; organizing press meetings and media dialogues; and in handling media emergencies and minimizing the Institute’s reputational risks. I work with a team in integrating marketing and communication functions to disseminate and share research-for-development (R4D) outputs for the marginalized, resource-poor farmers in the drylands.
Also, as concurrently Special Assistant to the DG, I write/develop institutional messages and other documents (speeches, papers/presentations) on key policies and programs in support of the functions of the DG, as well as provide support in the preparation of reports and correspondences vital to the implementation of the Institute’s strategic plan to 2020.
Prior to my current post, I was Information Officer (April 2004 – February 2011) at the Food and Fertilizer Technology Center (FFTC) for the Asian and Pacific (ASPAC) Region, an information center based in Taipei, Taiwan ROC (www.fftc.agnet.org). I was responsible in spearheading the Center's publication and communication initiatives toward promoting the sharing and exchange of agricultural information and technology in the ASPAC.
I have also worked as Editorial Fellow at the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC) in Tainan, Taiwan ROC, and as a Communication Consultant at the Rural Development Administration (RDA) in Korea. In my home country of Philippines, I held the position of Sr. Science Research Specialist at the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) in various capacities.
My 20 years of experience as a development communication specialist in the field of science & technology (S&T) in agriculture have empowered me to handle developmental issues particularly in developing countries highly dependent on agriculture. Most of the communication campaigns that I have been involved in are related to such issues as: sustainable agriculture and increased productivity through science-based innovations to help end hunger and food insecurity; reducing small-scale farmers’ vulnerability to drought and climate change; impact of free trade on small-scale farmers’ livelihoods; concerns over food safety and ecologically sound agricultural practices, etc.
I believe that as a team player, I will be a good addition to any Strategic Communication and Marketing team, especially in organizations working on poverty reduction, food security and sustainable agricultur
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Education: |
Master of science (MS) in Development Communication, minor in Environmental Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Philippines, June 1996 – April 1999.
Master in Communication Management (MCM), Asian Institute of Journalism (AIJ), Manila, 1988-1989 (candidate).
Bachelor of Science in Development Communication, major in Development Journalism, UPLB, 1982-1986.
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Available for: |
- Consulting assignments
- Job opportunities
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Years of Experience:
More than 20 years |
Highest Qualification:
Masters |
Languages:
English, Tagalog (Filipino) |
Nationality:
Philippines
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