A Progressive Homecoming: the Balik Scientist Program
The Philippines is known for its teachers, engineers, nurses, and caretakers – rarely, if never, for its astrophysicists or marine biologists.
This is not because of our lack of ability, since there are Filipino astrophysicists and marine biologists. It comes down to the perception that the sciences is not a viable career path in the Philippines, and that you have to go out of the country to make something of yourself.
This is reflected in the findings of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on the phenomenon of “brain drain” in the country, particularly on scientists – studies from the department revealed the migration of Science and Technology workers increased from 9,877 in 1998 to 24,502 in 2009. That’s an increase of about 148%.
A United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) report stated that there are only 189 scientific researchers per million citizens, which is almost half of the UNESCO-recommended 380 per million citizens. This means that the Philippines needs at least 19,000 more scientists and researchers.
Timing is everything
Which is why it was impeccable timing that President Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11035 into law last June, or the “Act Institutionalizing the Balik Scientist Program.”
The program aims to give incentives to balikbayan scientists in terms of grants and other incentives like tax and duty exemptions for importing scientific equipment, and even subsidies in visa applications and airfares for flights back home. Returning scientists who are looking at long-term engagement in science and technology activities can even receive relocation benefits and funding to establish research facilities.
Aiming to stem the tide of brain drain, the Balik Scientist Program was first established in 1975 through Presidential Decree No. 819 but was only implemented in 1986. It led to the acceleration of the scientific, agro-industrial, and economic development of the country, as returning scientists shared their expertise through mentoring science and engineering students and faculty, as well as participated in several DOST research and development programs where they secured grants.
This timely enactment is part of the realization of the Duterte Administration’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda, where the promotion of Science and Technology plays an integral part.
The Balik Scientist Program will prioritize experts in a variety of fields, including space, artificial intelligence, disaster mitigation and management, genomics, and even nanotechnology. The law will require DOST to ensure that results of the research and development in these fields are properly applied and used to contribute to the improvement of our country.
It is exciting what the future has in store for the country, now that a renewed focus on the sciences has been enacted into law. It provides much needed encouragement for Filipino scientists abroad to return and use their skills and talents on home soil. This homecoming is the one of the important first steps for the country to move into the future.
Hopefully, this return of Filipino experts in the fields of science and technology will motivate the future generation to pursue careers in the sciences. We have quite a way to go, but the future is bright.
