Text by: Ms. Regina Mae Ronquillo and Ms. Allane Orendez, DOST PCIEERD
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Balik Scientist, Dr. Elmer‑Rico E. Mojica, has made significant scientific discoveries in strengthening food safety, environmental protection, and local food industries through his successful characterization of the chemical profiles of stingless bee pollen and propolis, showing clearer differences in their nutrients and antioxidant levels.
By studying bee products and daily food items using advanced analytical chemistry techniques, such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), fluorescence spectroscopy, and chemometrics, Dr. Mojica was able to identify what makes items safe, authentic, and high‑quality.
His research methods, unlike wet chemistry tests, are rapid, non-destructive, and low-cost quality control, helping both consumers and small beekeepers in the country.
He also helps raise awareness on the unseen pollution affecting families and communities by generating the country’s first baseline data on microplastics in key consumer products such as powdered milk and honey, as well as in waterways and coastal areas in Miagao, Iloilo, where he found that all the tested samples contained microplastics.
“Even with his short-term engagement as Balik Scientist, Dr. Mojica has cultivated long-term impact in the scientific community. What makes our Balik Scientists like Dr. Mojica exceptional is their ability to integrate global expertise with the needs of our local sectors,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.
Dr. Leah J. Buendia, DOST Undersecretary for R&D and program head of the Balik Scientist Program, stressed the need for continuing programs that support the country’s scientific capabilities.
“As one of DOST-PCIEERD’s 186 Balik Scientists, Dr. Mojica’s exceptional work allows more researchers and students to gain advanced analytical chemistry knowledge through hands-on experience with state-of-the-art instruments and methods. The Balik Scientist Program (BSP), which has more than 165 host institutions nationwide and is committed to the growth and development of the nation through science, technology, and innovation, is the cornerstone of Dr. Mojica’s work as a real-life innovator—indeed, a “scientist with a heart, a Balik Scientist,” as Dr. Buendia puts it.
To date, the Balik Scientist Program has supported 709 Balik Scientists, with 956 engagements.
Aside from his R&D breakthroughs as a Balik Scientist, he has also made lasting contributions to the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) by providing laboratory instruments and expanding the university’s research networks by establishing collaborations with the University of the Philippines (UP) Visayas, Cavite State University (CvSU), University of Santo Tomas (UST), and De La Salle University (DLSU).
During its exit presentation on the online platform on March 6, 2026, DOST-PCIEERD Deputy Executive Director Engr. Niñaliza H. Escorial shared in her introductory remarks that his efforts helped local producers and increased scientific knowledge. “Dr. Mojica’s proficiency in vibrational spectroscopy equipment and analytical chemistry is crucial to enhancing the nation’s research capabilities,” she shared. Furthermore, to reinforce the Council’s commitment to supporting the BSP Program, we are pleased to announce the establishment of the BSP R&D Grant and yearly Call for Proposal (CFP) of this grant. This grant provides funding for new and ongoing medium-term and long term Balik Scientist in the fields of industry, energy, and emerging technologies (IEET). At present, two proposals have already been successfully approved under this grant, discussed by Engr. Escorial.
Before returning to the Philippines as a Balik Scientist grantee, Dr. Mojica was already a highly accomplished Filipino chemist based in New York City with an impressive research career, authoring or co-authoring over 118 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and encyclopedia entries.
