Filipino students from various countries joined the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in a virtual conference on Saturday, Oct. 10, to witness the unveiling of the improved Balik Scientist Program website and to find out more on how to become the next Balik Scientist.
The event enabled them to interact with Balik Scientists and find out about the program’s contribution to the country’s fight against COVID-19. They also shared their thoughts on why Filipino scientists abroad should come home and share their expertise for the good of the country.
Three Balik Scientists imparted their experiences to the scholars during the event. All capturing the different sectors such as agriculture, health, and industry. Through the program, Dr. Nelzo Ereful, Dr. Jonel Saludes, and Dr. Annabelle Vilallobos likewise imparted their contribution on the country’s fight against COVID-19 even beyond their Balik Scientist engagements.
Participating students were from Korea, Taiwan, China, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, the US, Sweden, Canada, and Germany.
“The Balik Scientist Program has been instrumental in progressing science and technology especially in areas where we have limited local expertise,” said DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña.
“Even with the pressing conditions brought about by the pandemic, our Balik Scientists continue to serve and impart their expertise to the country,” he added.
The Balik Scientist Program (BSP) continues to uphold its goal to strengthen the scientific and technological human resources of the academe, public and private institutions including locally registered enterprises to promote knowledge sharing and accelerate the flow of new technologies.
“It is our hope that in the coming years, we will be able to achieve greater heights by bringing home more scientists based abroad, and help enhance the expertise and resources that we have here,” said Undersecretary for Research and Development Rowena Cristina L. Guevara.
“Through the program, we envision that more Filipinos would opt to stay home and pursue their career here, with the mission of caring for and providing better solutions for our fellow Filipinos. The R&D of Balik Scientists will make change happen for the betterment of our country,” she added.