The DOST-CAR in partnership with Balik Scientist Program and DOST S&T Fellows Program Project Management Office organized a Balik Scientist Program and S&T Fellows Program Orientation and Needs Assessment Among RDI Networks in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) on 24 June 2022 at Venus Parkview Hotel, Baguio City.
The BSP and S&T Fellows are DOST flagship programs that aim to engage the services of highly qualified researchers, scientists, and engineers (RSEs) in various DOST RDI and Councils to increase and strengthen the human resource complement of the Department’s Research and Development (R&D) group.
The DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevera emphasized the importance of the programs by stating, “through the BSP and S&T Fellow Programs, we would be able to encourage more S&T experts to contribute in shaping the country’s R&D landscapes and help cultivate our leaders and various key industry players to invest more in R&D.”
Through the activity, the BSP and S&T Fellows were introduced and promoted among RDIs in CAR. With the hope that these programs will be maximized in the region, research gaps and opportunities among institutions that could be addressed through the BSP and S&T Fellows were identified in a Need Assessment Workshop with the DOST Councils namely: the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARD); Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD); and Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD).
In her message, DOST-CAR Regional Director Dr. Nancy A. Bantog cited that, “CAR are among the regions with the least number of Balik Scientists engaged since BSP was established. Other regions with more Balik Scientists definitely had improved their competencies on research, development and innovations including their R&D infrastructure”.
With this, she encouraged RDIs to take part in the programs to develop quality interventions in addressing research gaps and opportunities in the region. “May this serve as a challenge to our CAR-RDI Ecosystem especially the HEIs to engage with the programs in pushing more R&D initiatives in the region. May we continue to learn, inspire and serve through research, development and innovation for a better Cordillera and a better country,” Dr. Bantog asserted.
Further, Ms. Anichie Itoh, Program Manager of S&T Fellows and Ms. Idohna Jomao-as, Program Manager of BSP projected that these programs provide S&T experts with financial benefits and incentives to encourage them to contribute in R&D capacity that will address development gaps in the country.
In his testimony, Dr. Christian Crisostomo, a S&T Fellow, pointed out the benefits provided to him such as working with best and brightest in the country, free travel, and doing a meaningful work while enjoying a competitive compensation.
For interested BSP and S&T Fellows applicants and prospect host institutions, you may send email at the following bsp@dost.gov.ph and dostfellows@gmail.com. To learn more about the programs, you may visit DOST website at https://www.dost.gov.ph/.
By Ezra James Felix
