Ambassador Malaya (third from left) with the DOST-PCAARRD delegation at the Philippine Embassy in The Hague, The Netherlands. (Image credit: IDD, DOST-PCAARRD)
In an effort to tap into the talents of Filipino scientists and researchers based in Europe, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) kicked off a mission to attract potential Balik Scientists in the region.
The initiative was launched with a scientific meeting held at the Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands, led by Philippine Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya on October 8, 2024.
“Thank you for choosing the Netherlands as your first stop in your mission. Coincidentally, I think this is actually the first gathering of Filipino scientists in the Netherlands.” This was expressed by Ambassador Malaya who welcomed the DOST-PCAARRD delegation along with the 26 Filipino scientists and researchers based in the Netherlands, including past participants of the Balik Scientist Program.
Ambassador Ledda (third from left) with the DOST-PCAARRD delegation at the Philippine Embassy in Brussels, Belgium. (Image credit: IDD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Ambassador Malaya emphasized that The Netherlands and the Philippines have a deep history of collaboration in agriculture initiated by the founding of the East-West Seed Center, one of the biggest tropical seed companies in the world. “DOST will try to further enhance this collaboration through this [Balik Scientist] program,” he furthered.
Meanwhile, the DOST-PCAARRD delegation headed for the Philippine Embassy in Belgium on October 10, 2024, was warmly welcomed by Philippine Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda, embassy officials, and staff.
“This visit is very timely as we see deeper engagements with Filipino professionals and students in Belgium and Luxembourg.” This was disclosed by Ambassador Ledda during the last leg of the mission.
During the two meetings, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora presented the DOST Balik Scientist Program, highlighting the country's efforts to bring back Filipino experts to share their knowledge and expertise. On the other hand, DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management, and Support Services Melvin B. Carlos discussed the current status of the program and the specific areas of specialization that the Philippines urgently needs.
During the scientific meeting and networking event for Filipino STEM practitioners and students in The Hague, The Netherlands. (Image credit: IDD, DOST-PCAARRD)
PCAARRD-Institution Development Division Director Fezoil Luz C. Decena shared insights into the capability-building opportunities offered by the Council. She emphasized programs such as the International Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (iGREAT) and the Sandwich Program, which aim to support and develop the skills of local Filipino scientists and researchers through international education.
DOST-PCAARRD was already able to engage some Balik Scientists making their mark in Europe’s prestigious academic institutions, including Wageningen University, and research in the Netherlands and Ghent University and KU Leuven in Belgium. By reaching out to more of these experts, DOST-PCAARRD hopes to ignite a passion for giving back among the scientists abroad and encouraging them to contribute to the development of the Philippines’ agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sectors.
This mission marks the beginning of DOST-PCAARRD’s efforts to reach out to more Filipino scientists and researchers in Europe, encouraging them to contribute to the advancement of scientific and technological development in the Philippines. The organization aims to foster stronger partnerships and collaborations, ultimately benefiting the country’s AANR sectors.
During the scientific meeting and networking event for Filipino STEM practitioners and students in Brussels, Belgium. (Image credit: IDD, DOST-PCAARRD)