Researchers work in a laboratory at the Philippine Genome Center on March 12, 2020. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — 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.

The "Balik Scientist Program" 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.

With 'Balik Scientist' program, DOST hopes more scientists, researchers will stay in PH

This includes the development of human capital in science, technology, and innovation.

"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," Solidum said in a televised briefing. 

The scientists who returned to the Philippines receive more support from the government, Solidum said.

They were provided with grants and aid funds to help them purchase equipment and set up laboratories, he said.

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.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: