DOST Balik Scientist Dr. Kristine Joyce L. Porto, an Adult Neurologist and expert in Molecular Medicine and Neurogenetics, highlighted her work on a pioneering neurogenetics program at Quezon Memorial Medical Center (QMMC). The program aims to translate advanced genetic research into direct patient care, particularly targeting the alarming rise of early-onset stroke among Filipinos.
During the 11th Balik Scientist Program Convention, Dr. Porto shared her story, a powerful testament to personal commitment and national service. “This isn’t just a study. It is a personal commitment,” she said. “This is the beginning of a pathway for Filipino patients to access genomics here at home.”
The initiative was born from a clinical encounter early in Dr. Porto’s career, involving a young father who suffered a fatal stroke that might have been prevented with existing genetic information. The experience ignited her lifelong mission to harness genetics not just to explain disease, but to prevent tragedy.

Bringing Best Science Home
Upon her return to Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) as a Balik Scientist, Dr. Porto analyzed patient data and discovered a disturbing trend: Filipinos are experiencing strokes at increasingly younger ages. This finding urged QMMC to propose a research grant.
This finding led QMMC to propose its first-ever DOST-funded research project, the Early-Onset Stroke Study, which has since received approval in principle paving the way for establishing the first Neurogenetics Laboratory within a DOH hospital — ensuring that research findings directly benefit Filipino patients, bringing advanced, personalized medicine closer to home.

A Call for Commitment
Dr. Porto concluded her address with a passionate call to action, framing her journey as a commitment not just to return, but to stay. She called on fellow scientists to remain in the Philippines and on leaders to create an environment where they can thrive.
She closed by invoking the motto of her lab in Japan: Non sibi, sed omnibus—not for oneself, but for all. “I dream of a country where research does not end in papers, but in patients’ lives… where access to personalized and advanced medicine is possible even for the poorest of the poor.”
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. emphasized that the Balik Scientist Program embodies the Department’s advocacy of “Agham na ramdam”—science that is felt by the people. “The Philippines ranked 50th among 139 economies in the 2025 Global Innovation Index, and this progress is driven by Filipino scientists and researchers who bring their global expertise home,” he said.
On 03 October 2025, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) honored returning Filipino experts during the 11th Annual Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Convention held at Hilton Manila, Newport World Resorts, Pasay City, with the theme, “Balik Scientists in Action: Real-World Impact, Powered by Filipino Minds.”
The convention gathered Balik Scientists, host institutions, government partners, and industry stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of returning Filipino scientists who continue to advance national development in health, agriculture, aquatic, natural resources, industry, energy, and emerging technologies.

About the Balik Scientist Program
Established in 1975 and institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11035, the Balik Scientist Program (BSP) encourages Filipino experts abroad to return and share their expertise for national development. DOST implements the BSP through its sectoral councils—the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), and Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).