President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the law that seeks to encourage Filipino scientists, investors, and engineers to return to the country through incentives and benefits.
Duterte signed Republic Act 110351 or the Balik Scientist Program, which aims to encourage Filipino scientists, investors, and engineers abroad to return to the country and contribute in scientific development through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
“The program shall aim to strengthen the scientific and technological human resources of the academe, public and private institutions, including locally registered enterprises in order to promote knowledge sharing and accelerate the flow of new technologies into the country,” the law read.
The law is divided into three programs – short, medium, and long-term engagements. Short-term engagement programs last from 15 days to six months while medium-term engagement programs last from six months to one year.
The government will shoulder one-way airfare tickets of scientists who would choose to contribute in short and medium-term programs.
Tax-exempt daily allowances will also be given to participants of grants-in-aid research. Meanwhile, the government will shoulder one-way airfare tickets of the scientist, his or her spouse, and dependents of participants of long-term engagement programs, which last for one to three years.
Long-term engagement program participants would also be given relocation privileges and funding for the establishment of a facility or laboratory.
The law is a consolidation of earlier bills submitted by Senator Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV.
