Aiming to present the significant research and development (R&D) contributions and honor Balik Scientist Awardees, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Balik Scientist Program (BSP), hosted the BSP Gala Night entitled “A Night with the Balik Scientists” last October 10, 2014, at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Ortigas Centre, Mandaluyong City. The event also served as a platform to emphasize DOST’s role in strengthening the country’s national development through the BSP.
The event was graced by the DOST’s secretary, Hon. Mario G. Montejo, who welcomed the guests and Balik Scientists present. He expressed his gratitude to the Balik Scientists for their invaluable contribution to the strengthening of science and research in the country and urged everyone to continue their support for the program.
Balik Scientist Program
The program was initiated in 1975 through Presidential Decree No. 819 with the goal of boosting the scientific, agro-industrial and economic development of the Philippines. It also seeks to strengthen the science and technology (S&T) resources of the academe, public and private institutions. This is to facilitate growth in the field of science by means of accelerating the country’s S&T human resources and generation of strategically important technologies paramount to national development.
Likewise, the BSP specifically seeks to curb the high migration influx of S&T workers to foreign destinations by encouraging overseas Filipino scientists and other professionals to return to the Philippines.
Through the program, the Balik Scientists work with and provide technical support to local and private institutions, such as research and academic institutions, in the country. They also serve as resource persons for DOST-funded programs and projects. Having continuous support from foreign-based Filipino experts and scientists through the BSP is a guaranteed means to optimize the country’s resources and help move S&T in the Philippines forward.
In 2013, there were 36 Balik Scientists who returned to the country and took part in the program. They shared their expertise to academic institutions which include: Ateneo de Manila University, Cebu Institute of Medicine, De la Salle University, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), University of the Philippines Diliman, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Xavier University and University of San Carlos. Further, the Balik Scientists also provided support to Local Government Units (LGUs) and private institutions such as: the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, National Solid Waste Management Commission, PhilRice, Professional Regulation Commission and DOST Research and Development Institutes and Agencies.
Similarly, in 2013, a total of 35 host institutions in the country were directly assisted by the scientists. This includes 23 academic institutions, four local government agencies, four DOST research and development institutions (RDIs) and one LGU.
Meanwhile, some of their major accomplishments include: technology transfer initiatives, expert advice on air quality modeling and compliance to existing air quality regulations, trainings on Fetal Medicine Foundation Procedure, consultancy services for the preparation of a bioethanol plant for Nipa and establishment of Bioethanol Distillery in MMSU; provision of lectures on the introduction of Biomedical Engineering, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering; and technical advice and assistance on the retrofitting of the Argat Dam.
Gala Night
Thus, to recognize the noteworthy assistance provided by the Balik Scientist Awardees, the BSP gala night showcased the Balik Scientists’ contributions and their accomplishments in line with the program. Further, the event featured live testimonials of Balik Scientist Awardees and their host institutions. Among the Balik Scientists who shared their experiences with the program were Dr. Joseph Adrian Buensalido, Dr. Arnold Alguno and Dr. Arnold Lubguban.
Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, Dr. Amelia P. Guevara, Sec. Mario G. Montejo, Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, Dr. Edwin C. Villar, and the Balik Scientists (From left): Dr. Arnold C. Alguno, Dr. Divina M. Amalin, Dr. Corazon C. Bernido, Dr. Emmanuel S. Baja, Dr. Mylene G. Cayetano, Dr. Alfredo C. Acosta, Dr. Joseph Adrian L. Buensalido, Dr. Primitivo Cal, Arch. Maria Felicia Canto-Jacobs, Dr. Rinlee Butch M. Cervera, Dr. Francisco S. Chung Jr.
Balik Scientists (From left): Dr. Melanie Y. David, Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit, Dr. Teresita M. Espino, Dr. Arnold Lubguban, Dr. Paul Mark B. Medina, Dr. Mania Nilda M. Muñoz, Dr. Charina Paras de Silva, Dr. Chelo S. Pascua, Dr. Daniel C. Peckley Jr., Dr. Ernesto M. Pernia, and Dr. Nina Rosario L. Rojas
From left: Dr. Raul S. Pertierra, Dr. Marie Dione P. Sacladan, Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, Dr. Amelia P. Guevara, Sec. Mario G. Montejo, Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, Dr. Arnel A. Salvador, and Dr. Jasper G. Tallada
Meanwhile, Dr. Carmencita Padilla, Dr. Rommel G. Bacabac, SVD and Dr. Prose Ivy Yepes shared their testimonials as part of the host institutions of the BSP. The event also served as an opportunity for private and government institutions to interact with the Balik Scientists. The BSP is implemented by the Office of the Undersecretary for R&D and three DOST Sectoral Councils namely the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), and Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD). (Edgilyn R. Alcasid)
*Photos courtesy of STII-DOST
