The Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) kicked off its first quarterly MeetUPs for 2025 with a session on “Short-Form Videos for Development,” held on March 25 at the Sandbox, UPOU Headquarters, and via Zoom.
Serving as the resource speaker was Ms. Maria Andrea Bodaño, FICS Project Staff and Research Associate, who shared insights on producing compelling short-form videos for development. The event was attended by FICS administrative staff, REPS and faculty members in a hybrid setup.
Ms. Bodaño opened the session with a creative icebreaker featuring popular reels, setting the tone for an engaging discussion on the growing relevance of short-form video content. Drawing on her background in Development Communication, she discussed how these videos—typically filmed vertically and under 60 seconds—are increasingly used for entertainment, marketing, and as tools for information, education, and communication (IEC).
She cited factors such as rapid technological advancements, information overload, shortening attention spans, and shifting consumer behavior as key drivers behind the popularity of short-form video content. According to Ms. Bodaño, short-form videos are effective precisely because they are concise, efficient, and engaging—qualities that make them powerful communication tools in both formal and informal settings.
In line with the practice of development communication, she emphasized that creating content must reflect three core values: purposive (informing and influencing behavior), pragmatic (being results-oriented), and value-laden (acknowledging the inherent values in every message conveyed). These principles guide the development of educational, promotional, and informative materials.
To make short-form videos development-oriented, Ms. Bodaño encouraged participants to begin by asking three key questions: For what? For whom? Why? She also recommended aligning content with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and selecting topics relevant to the intended community.
The second half of the session focused on the three main stages of production: pre-production, production, and post-production. Ms. Bodaño highlighted the importance of clear objectives and a well-defined treatment during the scripting phase. She re-introduced the use of two-column scripts—a format commonly used in audio-visual production —and provided an overview of tools and techniques used in editing, including trimming, adding text or sound effects, adjusting speed, and transforming aspect ratios.
FICS staff and REPS expressed particular interest in the scriptwriting segment of the session, recognizing its relevance and utility in planning and mounting events organized by FICS. The discussion sparked enthusiasm to explore the topic further, with plans to hold a dedicated scriptwriting workshop in a future FICS MeetUPs.
Ms. Bodaño concluded with practical strategies for producing engaging content: start with a hook, repurpose existing long-form content into shorter formats, and stay updated on current trends and audience preferences.
MeetUPs is a FICS quarterly event that serves as a space for simple “kumustahan” within FICS. It also serves as an avenue for sharing knowledge and skills for personal and career growth among FICS colleagues.
Written by: Maria Paula Bautista
Edited by: Joy Abigail Rebulanan