27 May 2016 - The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney hosted a meeting to promote the Balik Scientist Program (BSP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). DOST was represented by Mr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Acting Executive Director, Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development-Department of Science and Technology (PCAAARD-DOST), and Ms. Christina Abo, Project Officer, Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Support Staff, DOST.

The meeting was attended by several Filipino-Australian scientists, Filipino international students and a representative from the Filipino community media.

Among the attendees were Messrs. Antonio Reyno and Raul Manongdo, who are both previous participants in the Balik Scientist Program. They expressed their desire to participate in the program again, thus, encouraging the attendees in the meeting to consider sharing their knowledge and expertise to Filipinos back home through the BSP.

In his presentation at the meeting, Dr. Ebora informed the attendees of the objectives of the BSP, the duration of the program, and the procedure for application to the program. He also discussed the National R&D agenda and the R&D projects of the DOST on agriculture, aquatic and natural resources. He cited examples of how participants in the BSP shared their expertise and best practices across relevant agencies and institutions in the Philippines, contributing to the development of capabilities in both government agencies and industries.

During the open forum, the attendees provided their comments and suggestions on the BSP, which Dr. Ebora said were helpful feedback to further improve the program. END