19/08/2026
๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐-๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ ๐
๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐จ ๐๐ฑ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ค ๐๐๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฆ
18 August 2026 ABU DHABI -The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), conducted a virtual orientation on the Balik Scientist Program (BSP) for Filipino scientists, engineers, researchers, and other professionals based in the United Arab Emirates on 15 August 2026 via Zoom platform.
The orientation formed part of the Embassyโs efforts to connect the expertise of overseas Filipinos with opportunities to support scientific advancement, innovation, and national development in the Philippines.
Ms. Roxanne Delos Reyes, Senior Science Research Specialist at the DOSTโPhilippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), led the session. She presented the programโs objectives, application requirements, guidelines, benefits, and available avenues for participation.
The event also featured Dr. Reibelle Q. Raguindin, a chemical engineer and researcher recognized as the first Balik Scientist Program participant from the Middle East. Dr. Raguindin, who is undertaking pioneering research on waste-to-energy technology in the UAE, shared her experience as a Balik Scientist and discussed how Filipino experts abroad can translate their knowledge and professional accomplishments into practical contributions to the Philippines.
Drawing from her own journey, Dr. Raguindin highlighted the value of international research experience in strengthening Philippine institutions, advancing scientific capabilities, and developing solutions to national challenges. Her participation demonstrates how Filipino professionals overseas can serve as bridges for knowledge transfer, institutional cooperation, and technological innovation.
Philippine Ambassador to the UAE H.E. Alfonso A. Ver commended the DOST for expanding awareness of the program in the UAE, where a growing number of Filipino professionals are making important contributions to science, engineering, research, academia, and industry. Ambassador Ver encouraged participants to consider the BSP as an opportunity to place their expertise at the service of the country.
โThe knowledge and skills acquired by Filipino professionals overseas are valuable national assets. Through the Balik Scientist Program, our experts abroad can share their experience, strengthen institutions, inspire future generations, and contribute directly to the Philippinesโ development. It is a meaningful way of giving backโnot only by returning home, but also by bringing home knowledge, innovation, and new possibilities,โ Ambassador Ver said.
He added that the willingness of UAE-based Filipino professionals, such as Dr. Raguindin, to participate in the program reflects their strong connection to the Philippines and their desire to help build a more innovative, competitive, and resilient nation.
The orientation provided participants with a clearer understanding of the BSPโs purpose, structure, and application process. More importantly, it underscored the wider role that overseas Filipino expertise can play in addressing development priorities and strengthening the countryโs science, technology, and innovation ecosystem.
The DOST-Balik Scientist Program is the Philippine Governmentโs flagship โbrain gainโ initiative. It mobilizes the knowledge and expertise of Filipino scientists, technologists, engineers, innovators, and other specialists based abroad to support research, capability-building, technology transfer, and institutional development in the Philippines.
Established in 1975 and reinstated under the DOST in 1993, the program was institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11035, or the Balik Scientist Act, signed into law on 15 June 2018. The law strengthened the BSP by providing enhanced incentives and benefits to eligible Filipino experts who return to the Philippinesโwhether for short-, medium-, or long-term engagementsโto share their expertise and contribute to national development.
Filipino scientists, engineers, researchers, innovators, and other technical experts in the UAE are encouraged to take part in the Balik Scientist Program and help transform their global experience into meaningful contributions to Philippine development. Interested individuals may contact the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi for further information on the program, its application requirements, and available opportunities for participation. END.
