20 February 2017 SYDNEY — Filipino-Australian Maria Cynthia Leigh, a retired nurse and academic from the Australian Catholic University in North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia will depart soon for Manila as an Expert under the Balik Scientist Program (BSP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Dr. Leigh will lend her expertise at the College of Nursing of the De La Salle Health Sciences Institute (DLSHSI) on R&D programs with the aim of promoting and improving health care and the quality of life through science, technology and innovation.

Dr. Leigh applied for the BSP program after attending a meeting in May 2016 at the Consulate General, where representatives from the DOST invited Filipino-Australian scientists to participate in the program.

“I am determined to do my part in giving back to the country by sharing my knowledge and expertise.  I am keen to contributing to the increasing participation of Filipino-Australians in the BSP,” said Dr. Leigh.

Dr. Leigh paid a courtesy call to Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis on February 14 to inform the Consulate General of her successful application under the BSP.

Consul General Louis commended Dr. Leigh for her initiative and also thanked her for her generosity and commitment to contribute to the continued improvement of the nursing curriculum and practice and health care in the Philippines. END