President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has urged Filipino scientists to stay in the country as he revealed intention to build a "bigger pool" researchers.
Speaking at the opening ceremony for the 2022 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) on Wednesday, Nov. 23, the President has ordered the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to provide resources for research and development in a bid to convince more Filipino scientists to stay here.
"I encourage our Filipino scientists, researchers, inventors and innovators, to continue sharing your expertise, especially to young people," Marcos said.
"I urge you to stay in the country as you pursue your career. We will continue to support you and continue to look to you to be active partners of the government," he added.
The chief executive assured them of government support saying, his administration would back initiatives in pushing for science and technology, as well as research and development-based solutions to the country's problems, especially in the agriculture sector.
"I also urge the DOST and all other concerned agencies to allocate resources to institutions that carry out research and development," he said.
He also encouraged homegrown scientists and researchers to become active partners of the government towards a more inclusive, more prosperous and more sustainable nation.
Bigger pool of scientists
The President also conveyed his intention to develop a "bigger pool of scientists, researchers, and innovators in the country."
In order to achieve this, he further challenged the DOST and partner institutions to provide more scholarships to Filipino students.
"Through this, we will institute a scholarship program, specifically for STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) students and this will not be limited to those who have shown their capabilities, their ability and how they deserve these scholarships here in the Philippines but to any institution that they are accepted to abroad," he said.
"So this is important so that they continue to develop our workforce, we continue to develop our capabilities, and our knowledge," he added.