Rowegie Abanto

Researchers work in a laboratory at the Philippine Genome Center on March 12, 2020.  The center is part of the development of a local test kit for COVID-19 led by the UP-National Institutes of Health in efforts to improve early detection of the virus, expedite the mass production of the kit, and ensure its availability to the public at lower costs. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

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Philippine Genome Center

Pia Gutierrez

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173856936465920200312-covid-test-kit-MD-4700.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Researchers work in a laboratory at the Philippine Genome Center on March 12, 2020. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false" style="text-align:left">Researchers work in a laboratory at the Philippine Genome Center on March 12, 2020. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — More than 120 Filipino scientists have returned to the Philippines under the government&#x27;s &quot;Balik Scientist Program&quot; since 2022, Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum said Monday.</p><p>The &quot;Balik Scientist Program&quot; encourages Filipino scientists, technologists, and experts to return to the country so they may be able to share their expertise and promote scientific, agro-industrial, and economic development, the Department of Science and Technology said.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/01/19/23/dost-hopes-more-scientists-researchers-will-stay-in-ph">With &#x27;Balik Scientist&#x27; program, DOST hopes more scientists, researchers will stay in PH</a></div><p>This includes the development of human capital in science, technology, and innovation.</p><p>&quot;Mula July 2022 hanggang end of 2024 merong mahigit 120 plus ang napabalik na mga siyentista, at ang iba dito ay permanent na. Kasi ang engagements sa mga Balik Scientists, merong 15 days to 6 months, 6 months ot one year and 1 year to two years,&quot; Solidum said in a televised briefing. </p><p>The scientists who returned to the Philippines receive more support from the government, Solidum said.</p><p>They were provided with grants and aid funds to help them purchase equipment and set up laboratories, he said.</p><p>Some have developed various technologies to help the country. One veterinarian has created a mobile African swine fever testing facility, which is now at the stage of developing a vaccine for ASF, he said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>FROM THE ARCHIVES:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n78neyQN4mM?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>More than 120 Filipino scientists have returned to the Philippines under the government's "Balik Scientist Program" since 2022, Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum said Monday.</p>

More than 120 Filipino scientists have returned to the Philippines under the government's "Balik Scientist Program" since 2022, Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum said Monday.

DOST's 'Balik' program has attracted over 120 Filipino scientists abroad since 2022

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DOST's 'Balik' program has attracted over 120 Filipino scientists abroad since 2022

Pia Gutierrez,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 03, 2025 04:11 PM PHT

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