DOST is wooing OFWs scientists and experts to apply to the Balik Scientist Program to give service to the Philippines and return home to their families.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is courting Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are scientists, technologists, and experts to return to the country through the Balik Scientist Program (BSP).
The BSP helps these OFWs experts to share their expertise to promote scientific, agro-industrial, and economic development as well as support and strengthen scientific and technological human resources in the Philippines.
In the latest BSP webinar on Aug. 30, National Heroes Day, the DoST honored them as it also gave instructions on how to apply for BSP.
Balik Scientists are Filipinos who are experts based in other countries like South Korea. They give services to the Philippines by returning home and working along their field of expertise. Balik Scientists are also considered modern heroes from the way the program helps them continue with their expertise andimpart them in their home country and be with their families.
Their contributions and commitment are what have made the Balik Scientists modern heroes.
There are priority areas of the program which include:
•Agriculture and Food
•Biotechnology
•Disaster Mitigation and Management
•Environment and Natural Resources
•Electronics
•Energy
•Genomics
•Health
•ICT
•Manufacturing
•Nanotechnology
•Semiconductors.
BSP Talks
BSP Talks is a 3-episode series webinar which showcases a story of a young and bright woman scientist named Belle who is working in South Korea. She is an expert in virology and vaccine research focusing on vaccines and the biology of viruses.
With the international health crisis, this scientific field of expertise helps in restricting the damaging outcomes of a virus.
Applicants who want to join the BSPneed to submit an application form which includes personal information, type of engagement, and other requirements needed to submit by the applicant.
The latest episode showed the instructions needed to complete the next requirement which is the Terms of Reference (TOR) that includes the objectives and scope of the evaluation, outlines the responsibilities, and provides a clear description of the resources available for conducting a study.
To accomplish the TOR, it must be completed with the host of the institution to accept the terms and conditions. The following are steps in accomplishing the TOR according to the latest BSP Talks:
1.Know the host institutions’ priorities
2.Identify major areas of the host institution that need the applicant’s expertise
3.Meet halfway the Balik Scientist applicant’s expertise and the host institution’s focus
4.Know what fits the applicant’s schedule
Research collaborations are also needed to be mentioned in the TOR for further strengthening of the form.
The application can be accessed online on DOST’s website for easier and wider access for the OFWs that are interested in becoming a Balik Scientist and helping them come home from their out-of-the-country jobs while also giving service to the Philippines.
BSP Contributions
Because of the BSP program, technology all over the Philippines has been enhanced by the returning experts.
Contributions include:
•There have been streamlined, simplified, and clear regulations in conducting clinical trials which are important to know more about vaccines.
•BS Geology program has been added to the curriculum of Caraga State University and was given a permit to operate by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
•Boost science to the architects, engineers, and students
•Extending malnutrition research in the country
•Nanotechnology to reduce plastic pollution
•Renewable energy systems
Former president Rodrigo Duterte institutionalized the program through RA 11035 or the Balik Scientist Act on June 15, 2018.Three months after the institutionalization, DOST crafted the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) and MC No. 006 of the Balik Scientist law.
Under the law, the program aims to counteract the nationwide concern on "brain drain" or the emigration of highly trained professionals from our country, in search of a better standard of living and quality of life, higher salaries, access to advanced technology, and more stable political conditions.
Tags: #DOST, #BalikScientistProgram, #Home, #Service, #ModernHeroes