The Department of Science and Technology is targeting more Filipino scientists who are based abroad to return to the country after President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Republic Act 11035 the “Balik Scientist Act” into law last month.
DOST secretary Fortunato De La Peña bared in an interview during the National Science and Technology Week at SMX Convention Center in Lanang on Friday, his office is targeting 40 scientists who are now in universities abroad to return to the Philippines.
De La Peña said that he has already ordered different science and research councils in the country to convince these local science experts to work here for a certain project.
“From the 40 for this year, it should be 60 for 2019, 90 by 2020, 135 by 2021 and maybe we can target a modest percent increase after that,” he said.
He said there will be more incentives that will be given to the returning scientists as they will work with different universities and government offices who are conducting researches or innovations on different technologies. “A Balik Scientist should have a host institution whether a DOST unit, whether a research agency in other agencies such BFAR of DA (Bureau of Fishiries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture) or RITM of DOH (Research Institute for Tropical Medicine of the Department of Health),” he said. He said when these scientists are already their, it means there is already program he or she will be working on whether to design a learning module or advising students on their thesis and many more. “It is like their day to day activities and these people will reports its accomplishments,” he said. De La Peña said the Balik Scientist will serve their host institution whether for a short-term or long-term. He said these scientist could also apply for research grants to DOST and other funding agencies. The law was signed by Duterte since it aims to strengthen research and development in various fields by providing incentives, benefits, and privileges to Filipino scientists, engineers, and innovators who will return to the country to share their knowledge
