Create an environment that’s ideal and conducive for Filipino scientists

by Manila Bulletin

Filipino scientists have, for so long, just worked in the background. To illustrate this reality, it is rare to see scientists honored by the government, praised on social media, or adored by the masses. Even with their groundbreaking achievements on foreign lands, they are not feted in the land of their birth or accorded a warm welcome at the airport or any government office. Instead, they just get a few mentions here and there in the media and given a shrug by any citizen who would encounter their name.

This is the situation experienced most of the time by Filipino scientists that it has forced a number of them to seek employment and enrichment in other lands. It doesn’t help too that economic opportunities are scarce in the country that they would need to take the next flight out just to give themselves and their families a better future.

This kind of situation doesn’t need to persist further, especially if we trust the government, through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), to institutionalize a system that would grant additional incentives to returning Filipino scientists. This came from a directive by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the 8th Balik Scientist Program Convention held last week. 

During the convention, the President directed the DOST to entice Filipino scientists to return to the country in order for them to share their experience and knowledge to fellow Filipinos, especially to the youth. Time and time again, the President has called on the need to improve the delivery of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, as these subjects would be vital for our survival in the future. Thus, bringing back our Filipino scientists through the Balik Scientist program is not only for the present need, but most especially for future-proofing the country.

“As we take advantage of the opportunities available under the new normal, it is important to highlight the role of the DOST, with the help of the participating Balik Scientists, to address the perennial issues in the country through research and development initiatives,” the President said.

The DOST’s Balik Scientist Program aims to reverse the effects of “brain drain,” improve science and technology capabilities, accelerate the flow of technologies, and promote knowledge sharing. A law supports this program, RA 11035 or the Balik Scientist Act of 2018. Part of the law are the incentives to returning scientists such as benefits, allowances, research grants, insurance, etc.

For the ones who have returned to the country, the President expressed his utmost appreciation and called their contributions “remarkable” to the country. “It is very heartwarming to see that you have chosen to return to the Philippines to use your expertise to help improve the lives of the Filipino people… I know that this decision in many cases has meant a potential loss of opportunities,” he said. “But I assure you that my administration will extend all support in making science and innovation an instrument of progress and prosperity for the Filipino.” 

With the groundwork laid by this administration, akin to rolling the red carpet for returning Filipino scientists, it would also be a good idea to put in place these incentives and benefits for Filipino scientists in general, more so for those who have chosen to stay. Again, there is nothing wrong if one wants to venture to new lands and discover the world out there, but wouldn’t it be nice — and beneficial — if a Filipino scientist can choose the Philippines first?