Mr. Ivan Gallegos | Development Communication | Best Researcher Award
Instructor | Davao del Norte State College | Philippines
Mr. Ivan N. Gallegos is a Filipino communication scholar, lecturer, and researcher with a strong academic and professional background in media, journalism, and development communication. With over seven years of experience in higher education and practical media roles, he has made meaningful contributions to both the academic and public spheres. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Media and Communication at RMIT University, Australia, supported by the prestigious Australian Research Training Program Scholarship. Ivan is actively involved in volunteer organizations and professional associations, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence and community service.
Professional Profile
Scopus | Orcid
Education
Mr. Gallegos holds a Ph.D. in Media and Communication (ongoing since February 2025) from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. He earned his Master of Science in Development Communication Management from the University of Southeastern Philippines in 2020. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies, majoring in Journalism, from Mindanao State University, where he graduated with honors. His educational background laid a strong foundation for his interdisciplinary research and teaching expertise in communication, journalism, and media studies.
Experience
Mr. Gallegos currently serves as a Lecturer at the Department of Communication Studies at Davao del Norte State College in the Philippines. He has also held roles as Program Chairperson and thesis supervisor, teaching courses such as Risk, Disaster, and Humanitarian Communication, Development Communication, and Communication Planning. Prior to this, he worked as a Lecturer at Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao and Monkayo College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology. In the media field, he served as a Regional Journalist for Marketech APAC and a News Correspondent for The Mindanao Times, covering digital trends and regional issues. His combined teaching and journalism experiences demonstrate his commitment to education, critical inquiry, and public engagement.
Research Interests
Mr. Gallegos’ research focuses on the intersections of media, communication, development, and digital culture. His ongoing doctoral research delves into themes such as online self-presentation, digital connectedness, and humanitarian communication. He is particularly interested in how media shapes public perception and civic participation in Southeast Asia. His studies also explore communication strategies of NGOs, community media, and participatory development models. Ivan’s research is deeply informed by local realities and contributes to the growing body of work in critical media and communication studies.
Honors
Ivan was awarded the Australian Research Training Program Scholarship for his Ph.D. at RMIT University, recognizing his academic merit and research potential. As an undergraduate, he was a Cum Laude graduate and received an Academic Excellence Award. His involvement in local and international initiatives such as Project DYESABEL and the H.O.U.S.E. Foundation has furthered his recognition as a socially engaged academic. He is also an associate member of the National Research Council of the Philippines and an active member of international academic associations, including ASEAS UK and SEAMSA, where he contributes to communication and publicity efforts.
Top Noted Publications
1. Title: Dimensions of NGOs’ Communication Strategies to Community Stakeholders in the Philippines
Journal: Social Sciences & Humanities Open (Elsevier)
Year of Publication: 2025
2. Title: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Listeners towards Community Radio’s Development Programs in New Corella, Davao Del Norte, Philippines
Journal: The Journal of Development Communication
Year of Publication: 2024
Citations: Limited citation data available (likely minimal, recent publication)
3. Title: Communication Needs of Barangay Health Workers Situated at the City Landfill of Davao, Philippines, in Delivering Health Care Services
Journal: The Journal of Development Communication
Year of Publication: 2023
Citations: Likely 1–2 (based on subject specificity)
4. Title: News Sourcing of Reports about President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III State of the Nation Address from 2012–2014
Journal: International Journal of Scientific Research in Multidisciplinary Studies
Year of Publication: 2022
Citations: 2+ (early academic interest due to political communication theme)
Conclusion
Mr. Ivan Gallegos is an emerging voice in Southeast Asian media and development communication. Through his academic teaching, research, and professional practice, he bridges theory and real-world application to address critical communication issues. His scholarly output, leadership in academic service, and active community involvement position him as a promising academic leader. As he continues his doctoral research and expands international collaborations, Ivan is poised to make substantial contributions to the global communication landscape.