Much as we
Filipinos are used to disillusionment in our country’s leadership, sometimes,
the Almighty DOES send us good leaders.
Take for
example, Secretary Fortunato dela Peña, of the Department of Science and
Technology.
Secretary dela
Peña is an engineer by profession, and today, he is rallying DOST behind the
fight for COVID-19, by creating the “Balik Scientist Program,” which aims to “encourage
(Science and Technology experts who are Filipinos, or foreigners of Filipino
descent) to return to or reside in the Philippines, and share their expertise
in order to accelerate the scientific, agro-industrial, and economic
development of the country.” This program had already been signed into law onthe 15th of June, 2018, and by the 30th of June, 2019,
526 Balik Scientists had contributed to 659 projects and positions all over the
academe, public service, and even in the private sector.
In this
challenging hour, Secretary Fortunato dela Peña has dusted off this program and
repurposed this to fight COVID-19.
The
Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in close collaboration with the
Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), has
commissioned the expertise of seven scientists and medical doctors in the fight
against COVID-19. The aim is not just to find the vaccine, but also to ensure a
fluid response to the battle against this so-called “invisible enemy.”
Some of
these Balik Scientists are serving on the frontlines, while the others are
looking for the cure. They are tirelessly serving to help the country “heal as
one.”
For the
profiles of the 7 Balik Scientists commissioned by the DOST and the PCHRD, head
on to Secretary Fortunato dela Peña’s Facebook Page, as well as the DOST Press Release Page.
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