International Experts in Artificial Intelligence, Metabolomics and Renewable Energy invite Filipinos to become Balik Scientists

Renowned Filipino scientists from abroad invite Filipinos to become part of the Department of Science and Technology's Balik Scientist Program (BSP), during the BSP’s virtual orientation and public consultation held on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña led the orientation of the BSP citing its history and goal, “BSP is a brain gain initiative of the DOST and has been instrumental in promoting and implementing science, technology and innovation activities for national development, especially in areas where we have limited local expertise. From its implementation in 1975 until 2020, we were able to work with 564 Balik Scientists through 716 engagements.”

Despite the challenging year of 2020 brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Undersecretary for Research and Development, Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, acknowledged the 34 Balik Scientists who continued to serve the scientific and developmental goals of the Program. 

USec Guevara also added that the program adopted alternative means of engagement for the Balik Scientist, strengthened by implementing the Supplemental Guidelines and Risk Management Plan that allowed Balik Scientists to be virtually engaged during the pandemic when there are travel restrictions.

Three esteemed Balik Scientist Awardees testified that notable engagements for the health, industry, and agriculture sector are indeed possible, amidst the pandemic. 

Dr. Anna Karen C. Laserna, a research fellow at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and a short-term Balik Scientist extended her help to the De La Salle University - Central Instrumentation Facility in becoming a center for research in metabolomics and partnered with the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development’s Tuklas Lunas Program. 

ASEAN-Republic of Korea (ROK) for Excellence in Science Awardee Dr. Lawrence A. Limjuco highlighted how DOST through its sectoral planning councils, research and development institutes, collegial and scientific bodies, and scientific and technological services coordinates science and technology-related projects in the Philippines and formulates policies and projects in support of national development, especially the BSP. 

Dr. Limjuco also shared different practices in promoting a research-based Material Science and Engineering (MSE) subject during his engagement with BSP, including the shift from experimental research to review of related articles, remote learning via international collaborations, on-site activities with strict compliance to safety precaution measures, and continuous learning through remote research.  

A seven-time Balik Scientist Awardee and a consultant to numerous international institutions such as the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and UN Forum on Forests (UNFF), Dr. Guillermo A. Mendoza imparted his diverse areas of expertise ranging from artificial intelligence to watershed management and hydrologic modelling.

With the use of geospatial technologies, Dr. Guillermo conducted studies in applying precision agriculture principles in potato production and assessing landslide susceptibility.

Sectors of the industry, agriculture and health gravely suffered during this pandemic, and now, more than ever, it is important to increase the number of Filipino scientists, technologists, and experts to be able to help the country move forward and quickly recover. 

It is also through the pandemic that research and development have been more relevant and needed, the DOST Balik Scientist Program offers new avenues and opportunities for extensive and prolonged research and development for the country. 

Regional Director Armando Q. Ganal encouraged experts to apply for the program and called for institutions to host Balik Scientists, “We enjoin you to either be a Balik Scientist and share your learnings and skills to the country or to be a host agency for our Balik Scientists. Either way, it will always be Science for the People”