Pinoy students from Korea, Taiwan, China, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, USA, Sweden, Canada, and Germany were gathered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in a virtual conference to witness the unveiling of the improved Balik Scientist Program website last Saturday, 10 October 2020. The event enabled students to interact with Balik Scientists and find out about the program’s contribution on the Philippines fight against COVID-19.

“The Balik Scientist Program has been instrumental in progressing science and technology especially in areas where we have limited local expertise,” shares 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.”

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.

Three Balik Scientists imparted their experiences to Pinoy scholars during the event. All capturing the different sectors such as agriculture, health and industry. Though the Balik Scientist – 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.

“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,” says Undersecretary for R&D 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.”