Everything that You Need to Know About the Balik Scientist Program
It has been a long-time objective of the country to improve the field of science and technology in the Philippines. And one of the government's priorities to achieve that is our nation's professional scientists. But with the many laid-out plans for them, it has been a tough challenge for the government and the partnered sectors and agencies to encourage the experts abroad to come home and help our struggling country when it comes to scientific exploration and technological discoveries.
With the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the eighth annual Balik Scientist Program Convention to the Department of Science and Technology last October, Filipinos around the world have started showing their interest in the program. Therefore, if you are curious about the program or would like to be a scientist in the future, check out our provided information so you can know more about BSP.
What is the Balik Scientist Program?
The Balik Scientist Program is the initiative of the government to adequately address the "brain drain" that has long been a concern or issue in the country. Since science and technology in the Philippines hugely contribute to the overall progress of the economy, the government has created this program to accelerate productivity in many field development areas through shared expertise from all the Filipino scientists that have chosen to work abroad. With this, BSP encourages local scientists to return to the country or do remote engagement from abroad under the short-term category to accelerate the flow of science and technology throughout the Philippines.
The Benefits of BSP to the S&T in the Philippines
There are several recognized benefits that the country will get with the Balik Scientists Program. As this initiative is projected to earn more gains than expected, the government has identified short and long-term perks of pushing through this program. Here are the known benefits of BSP in the Philippines.
Solve the “brain drain” issue
Brain drain is one of the many issues the government would like to address, especially in the science and technology sector. Although the Philippines has been struggling with many perennial issues, there is a need for a workforce. Still, there is insufficient supply due to the increasing number of professionals departing the country for better opportunities. With this, the Balik Scientist Program seeks to solve this issue by encouraging every scientist to return to our home country or make remote work arrangements so the Philippines would not be lagging behind in its pursuit for progress.
Promote scientific and technological knowledge sharing
With knowledge sharing, we can create valuable ideas to help our country progress. With the BSP, there is a strong connection between professionals where they can collaborate and build solutions out of their collective knowledge. In addition, when Filipino scientists return and reside in the Philippines, they can freely share their expertise in improving our country. And with so many brains functioning, sharing knowledge, and performing possible actions, it is hoped that the Philippines will level up in the field of science and, as a result, improve the overall economy.
Strengthen the science and technology sector
Since S&T is highly prioritized in the Balik Scientist Program, there is substantial strengthening in science and technology in the Philippines to accelerate the flow of strategic technologies and scientific studies. In this regard, the sector will be able to come up with better ideas to level up the country's national development. Also, local researchers from different fields, such as academe and industries, can strengthen their capabilities with science and technology with the many research priorities to study.
Inspire aspiring scientists
Aside from encouraging Filipino scientists abroad to return to the country or work remotely abroad, President Marcos also urged the Department of Science and Technology to develop more initiatives like the Balik Scientist Program to inspire Filipino youth to become the next generations of great science professionals. And with this kind of program, aspiring scientists can look back to why they are needed by our country and would encourage them to pursue scientific and technological courses in the future.
The Balik Scientist Incentives
There are three kinds of incentives that the Balik Scientist Program offers to Filipino scientists who wish to return to the Philippines: the long-term, medium-term and short-term. According to an article written by the Philippine News Agency and the DOST-PCHRD, the following incentives are provided:
Short Term Incentive
(minimum duration of 15 days, maximum duration of 6 months)
? One (1) international round trip airfare
? Daily Allowance (USD 200/day) or the UNDP rate whichever is higher
? Subsidized visa application
? Round trip domestic airfare and accommodation for one (1) local conference
? Health and medical (including dental) insurance (Php 250,000/illness)
? Accident/travel insurance (up to Php 3 Million coverage)
? Freight, Excess baggage allowance (up to 25 kg)
? GIA funding for research (proposal driven)
? Membership in the NRCP and one (1) professional organization
? One (1) round trip domestic airfare and accommodation for annual BSP Convention
? One-time incentive for outstanding completion
? Exemption from PRC requirements
Medium Term Incentive
(duration of more than 6 months but not to exceed one year)
? One (1) international round trip airfare
? Daily Allowance (USD 200/day) or the UNDP rate whichever is higher
? Subsidized visa application
? Round trip domestic airfare and accommodation for two (2) local conferences
? Health and medical (including dental) insurance (Php 250,000/illness)
? Accident/travel insurance (up to Php 3 Million coverage)
? Freight, Excess baggage allowance (up to 25 kg)
? GIA funding for research (proposal driven)
? Membership in the NRCP and one (1) professional organization
? One (1) round trip domestic airfare and accommodation for annual BSP Convention
? One-time incentive for outstanding completion
? Exemption from PRC requirements
Long Term Incentive
(duration of more than one year to three years, renewal determined by DOST)
? One (1) international round trip airfare for the Scientist, spouse and dependent/s
? Special non-immigrant visa for the Scientist, spouse and dependent/s
? Relocation allowance (Php 250,000)
? Housing allowance (up to Php 40,000/month)
? Transportation allowance (Php 5,000/month)
? Salary equivalent to at least SG 24
? Round trip domestic airfare and accommodation for three (3) local conferences
? Health and medical (Including dental) insurance (Php 250,000/illness)
? Accident/travel insurance (up to Php 3 Million coverage)
? Freight, Excess baggage allowance (up to 25 kg)
? GIA funding for research (proposal driven)
? Membership in the NRCP and one (1) professional organization
? One (1) round trip domestic airfare and accommodation for annual BSP Convention
? One-time incentive for outstanding completion
? Exemption from PRC requirements
Indeed, Balik Scientist Program is a big help in improving science and technology in the Philippines. This initiative will hopefully address the issues in the different sectors of our country, making a positive growth to the status of our economy. Want to know more about S&T news? Visit our website today!
