Dr. RB Juarez Gallego is a licensed forester and Associate Professor V at Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), where he has rendered over two decades of dedicated service in higher education. He is a seasoned academic leader, having previously served as Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Dean of the School of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, and Director of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Sciences. Throughout his administrative career, Dr. Gallego has led significant institutional initiatives, championed academic reforms, and contributed to the advancement of environmental and forestry education in the region.

He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Resource Management, major in Forest Resources Management and minor in Environmental Management, from Isabela State University. His doctoral dissertation was awarded first place in the University’s Best Dissertation (Technical Category). He also earned a Master of Science in Forestry, major in Forest Resources Management and minor in Forest Biological Science, from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, and received a Certificate of Achievement from SEARCA. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from West Visayas State University–Lambunao Campus, earning numerous academic distinctions throughout his undergraduate years. He also holds a diploma in secondary education with a specialization in Electronics and Drafting Technology and was class valedictorian in elementary school.

Dr. Gallego is a licensed forester and an accredited AACCUP accreditor, having served in various capacities such as Lead Accreditor, Team Leader, and Coordinator in quality assurance evaluations for programs across multiple higher education institutions. He is also actively involved in internal quality audits, institutional evaluations, and academic planning. His expertise lies in forestry, forest measurements, geographic information systems (GIS), forest surveying and engineering, biodiversity conservation, and natural resources management.

As a prolific researcher and author, Dr. Gallego has led and contributed to numerous funded projects, including studies on biodiversity, sustainable forest management, climate resilience, and ecosystem diversity. His research works have been published in local and international peer-reviewed journals, including the Indonesian Journal of Forestry Research, Environmental Sciences Proceedings, Open Journal of Ecology, and Ekologia. He has also served as Editor-in-Chief of the ASCOT Graduate Studies Research Journal and as Associate Editor of the ASCOT Research International Journal.

His commitment to academic excellence and environmental stewardship is evident in his community involvement and outreach. He is a member of several national organizations such as the Society of Filipino Foresters, Haribon Foundation, and the Wildlife Conservation Society of the Philippines. He serves on multiple Protected Area Management Boards and coordinates the Institute of Environmental Governance in partnership with Tanggol Kalikasan. Moreover, Dr. Gallego is authorized to solemnize marriages and continues to be a valued resource speaker in national conferences, research symposia, training workshops, and extension programs.

Dr. Gallego has been the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the multiple Best Research Paper and Proposal Awards, and academic distinctions dating back to his early collegiate years. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is also skilled in geographic information systems, drone operations, carpentry, electrical installation, and macro photography of plants.

Through his work in academia, research, and community development, Dr. Gallego continues to inspire future generations of foresters and environmental scientists, guided by a vision of sustainable and inclusive environmental governance for the Philippines.