29 FEBRUARY 2024, BANGKOK - To strengthen and expand its research and development network and capabilities, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research & Development (DOST-PCIEERD) conducted its first orientation meeting for the Balik Scientist Program (BSP) within the Filipino Science and Technology community in Bangkok, Thailand, on 26 February 2024.

This international initiative aligns with DOST-PCIEERD's commitment to disseminate information about the government’s Balik Scientist Program, aiming to effectively organize current and future human resource experts, researchers, and scientists in priority sectors for national development, such as the energy industry and emerging technology sectors.

Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, Executive Director of PCIEERD, together with Ms. Ederlyn L. Rogelio, Project Manager at PCIEERD-HRIDD, led discussions on enhancing collaboration to foster partnerships in science, technology, and innovation in research and development (R&D). Dr. Paringit focused on engaging Filipino science and technology (S&T) scholars currently studying and affiliated with various educational institutions in Thailand.

The Philippine Embassy, represented by Vice Consul Susan Phoebe R. Sabado at the event, welcomed the initiative of DOST-PCIEERD to conduct the orientation in Thailand and expressed support for the BSP and its objective to apply Filipino scientists and scholars’ know-how and expertise for the benefit of the Philippines.

The orientation was well received and elicited active participation of Filipino S&T graduate students from Chulalongkorn University and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), underscoring their interest and eagerness to understand and support the BSP, and related programs for Filipino S&T professionals. END.