DOrSU’s BS DevCom Program Gains Spotlight at Global Media Forum in Germany
The Bachelor of Science in Development Communication (BS DevCom) program of Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) continues to build its reputation in the global academic and media development community as one of its faculty members, Mark Aljen D. Binocal, has been invited to speak at the Forum Media and Development (FoME) Conference 2025 in Bonn, Germany.
The event, which will run from December 8–12, 2025, at the DW Akademie Headquarters, carries the theme “Beyond Dependency: Rethinking Support for Public Interest Media.” Organized by the Institute for Democracy, Media, and Cultural Exchange (IDEM e.V.) in partnership with DW Akademie and Fondation Hirondelle, the conference will gather journalists, scholars, and development professionals from around the world to examine how the humanitarian and media development sectors can collaborate more effectively to strengthen local information ecosystems. Marking 20 years of FoMe, the event will showcase global initiatives that empower communities to make informed decisions through independent and credible journalism.
Binocal’s participation highlights DOrSU’s growing role in international conversations about communication for development. Representing both the university and the Philippines, he will present a talk titled “Empowering Indigenous Voices: Communication for Development in the Philippines”, highlighting the joint initiatives of DOrSU and IDEM, particularly their collaborative media projects in Mindanao that amplify the voices of Indigenous Peoples and promote inclusive communication practices.
In a social media post, Binocal expressed his gratitude to IDEM for the opportunity and described the event as a way of showcasing BS DevCom on the international scene in media and development.
DOrSU’s DevCom program has been steadily building its international engagement since partnering with IDEM in 2020. Among their collaborative efforts is a radio and podcast project that shared verified COVID-19 information and Indigenous Peoples’ stories in Davao Oriental—a model that demonstrates how academic institutions can produce relevant, community-centered media content.
As one of the few higher education institutions in Mindanao offering Development Communication, DOrSU now joins an international network of universities and organizations working to strengthen public interest media and promote informed, empowered communities.
Through its representation in the 2025 FoME Conference, the BS DevCom program continues to elevate DOrSU’s presence on the world stage, proving that meaningful communication from the local level can resonate globally.
