‘Balik scientists’ continue to be lured back by DOST

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has so far lured back to the Philippines 525 scientists as part of its Balik Scientist Program (BSP).

DOST Secretary Mario Go Montejo made this disclosure yesterday at the First BSP Convention in Makati City, which was the first event of its kind honoring the Filipino scientists who left behind highly-lucrative jobs abroad to serve their homeland.

“From 1975 to present, we have now reached a record number of 525 Balik Scientists. And more important, perhaps, is that 139 of you have repatriated here in the Philippines,” he said, referring to those who chose to stay for good.

“I can’t blame you for coming back – totoo nga pong napakasarap maging Pilipino (it is true it is so sweet to be Filipino),” Montejo added.

Of the 525 scientists, Montejo said from 2007 to the present, the DOST has contracted 223, with 202 of them for short-term agreements and 21 locked-in for long-term stay in the country.

The DOST chief noted the returnee-scientists’ vital role in nation building.

“All of you play a vital role in our framework for ‘Technology Self-Reliance.’ Apart from strategic R&D (research and development) programs, and critical S&T infrastructure we are building, is the human resource component,” said Montejo.

Manila Bulletin spoke with three Balik Scientists, Dr. Custer Deocaris (from Japan), Dr. Romulo de Castro and Dr. Jonel P. Saludes, who were both based in the United States.

In separate interviews, the three Balik Scientists said it was family, the feeling of being together, and their desire to give back to the country and contribute to its progress that made them join the BSP.

Custer was earning 500,000 in Japan until he chose to return in 2010 for a three-month work. But the short stay turned into an extended one, as he even ventured into broadcasting to spread knowledge about his science and techonology advocacies, including those on neuroscience, molecular biology, and regenerative medicine.