By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday, Oct. 15, attended the 8th Annual Balik Scientist Program Convention of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) where he urged to strengthen the program and to provide more incentives to Filipino scientists.
In his speech, Marcos said Filipinos needed sufficient support from the government to be able to share their skills and knowledge in their field.
“Ang Pilipino naman gusto niyang umuwi. Ang Pilipino hangga’t maaari, kung maaari ay nais nila na makapag-trabaho dito at makapiling ang kanilang pamilya, ang kanilang pinanggalingan,” Marcos said.
“Ang hinihingi lang naman ng ating mga scientists ay mabigyan sila ng suporta, in terms of equipment, in terms of facilities, in terms of funding, and that is again what the Balik Scientist Program is all about,” he added.
He urged the DOST to come up with more initiatives that will inspire the younger generations to pursue scientific and technological courses.
The President added that the pandemic has already changed everything and innovation should be continuously developed in the country.
“We can no longer do what we used to do. The pandemic changed everything and that is why we must innovate, and that is again where science comes in,” Marcos said.
Marcos assured the Filipinos that the government’s support will always be present in making ‘science and innovation an instrument of progress and prosperity for the Filipino.
