Senator vows more incentives, funds for returning scientists

FILE: President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. graces the 8th annual Balik Scientist Program Convention at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. (PNA photo by Rey Baniquet)

MANILA – Senator Francis Tolentino invoked the spirit of volunteerism and vowed to push for more incentives to encourage scientists to return to the country.

In support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s plan to boost science and technology, Tolentino encouraged Filipino scientists to help in the country’s development.

He said he will seek ways to gain more funding, grants, scholarships, better facilities, and other research-related incentives when he presides over the Sub-committee L of the Committee on Finance hearing on the 2023 budget of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its 18 attached agencies this week.

“Siguro napakarami ng magagaling [nating] siyentipiko. Volunteerism din ang pagbabalik nila kung galing sila sa ibang bansa. Although hindi ganun kataas ‘yung sweldo, eh malaki din ang maaambag nila, lalong lalo na ‘yung mga scientist natin na magagaling (We have a lot of great scientists. Volunteerism also means returning to the country. Although the salary is not that big, they will contribute more),” Tolentino said in a statement on Sunday.

On Friday, Marcos directed the DOST to look for ways to grant more incentives to Filipino scientists

“As we take advantage of the many opportunities available to us under what is becoming the new normal, it is important to highlight the critical role of the DOST, with the help of the participating balik (returning) scientists, to address the perennial issues in the country through research and development initiatives,” he said in his keynote speech at the 8th Balik Scientist Program Convention at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

“You must continue to strengthen the implementation of the Balik Scientist Program and find ways to provide more incentives to encourage more Filipino scientists to come back to the country and share their expertise,” Marcos added.

The Balik Scientist Program Annual Convention showcases activities, accomplishments, research contributions, and the latest in various fields, ranging from agriculture, aquatics and natural resources, health, energy, and emerging technologies.

Records from the DOST show there are 67 returning scientists since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.