QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 11035)
RA 11035 is the “Balik Scientist Act.” It institutionalizes the Balik Scientist Program, appropriates funds for it, and provides benefits/incentives to Filipino science and technology experts (including those of Filipino descent) to participate in local R&D.
The Program is administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The State recognizes that utilizing science/technology/innovation experts of Filipino descent is vital to national political, economic, and social development, and it supports their participation in R&D initiatives for strengthening scientific and technological human resources.
A science/technology/innovation expert/professional certified by DOST, who is a Filipino citizen or a foreigner of Filipino descent, to undertake S&T activities with a host institution under short-, medium-, or long-term engagement, and who is either (1) a resident of another country at application time, or (2) a Philippine resident for not more than three (3) years at application time from the most recent date of overseas education/employment in their field; those without graduate degrees with exceptional expertise may also be qualified.
A government, agency, public or private academic institution, or a locally registered enterprise in the Philippines that will undertake science/technology/innovation activities or R&D initiatives with a Balik Scientist.
Short-Term: minimum 15 days to maximum 6 months per award served within one (1) year from award. Medium-Term: more than 6 months but not to exceed 1 year per award served within 2 to 3 years from award. Long-Term: more than 1 year to 3 years per award, subject to renewal by DOST, served within 5 years from award.
DOST must (a) survey/identify needed expertise absent/limited locally, (b) manage and facilitate application processing and awards in coordination with host institutions, (c) provide/facilitate release of benefits/incentives to qualified Balik Scientists, (d) issue rules clarifying pertinent provisions, (e) monitor implementation and fulfillment of obligations, (f) assess actual/anticipated impact, and (g) issue guiding R&D and industry development agenda for prioritization.
DOST prioritizes awards/Grants-in-Aid that complement or address needs in ongoing or prospective government programs/projects of local and national significance.
Examples include: (a) exemption from PRC licensing/permitting requirements (DOST submits lists to PRC), (b) accident and medical insurance for the engagement duration, (c) reimbursement of excess baggage allowance expenses related to scientific project/activities, (d) exemption from renouncing oath of allegiance unless repatriation/retention of government position occurs, (e) tax and duty exemption for donations of equipment/instruments/materials to DOST with DOST bearing freight/storage, and (f) tax and duty exemption for importation of professional equipment/instruments/materials.
Long-term program includes benefits such as airfare for awardees plus spouse and minor dependents, special nonimmigrant visa for the awardee/spouse/minor children, exemption from DOLE alien employment permit requirement for awardees and spouse, exemption from immigration clearance certificate and multiple entry fees, tax/duty exemptions for importation of personal/household effects and a motor vehicle up to 3.5 tons GVW, admission assistance for minor children, assistance in securing job opportunities for the spouse, relocation allowance and monthly housing/accommodation allowance, funding for establishment/development of a facility/laboratory (deemed government property), and participation in DOST GIA R&D projects.
Balik Scientist awardees assume mentorship, leadership, professional or technical roles in the DOST R&D Leadership Program and similar initiatives, to be included in the contract among DOST, the host agency, and the Balik Scientist.
Balik Scientists must submit accomplishment reports after serving their term. DOST must submit an Annual Summary Report to the Senate/House Committees on Science and Technology, including accurate account of expenditures and work-related activities.
DOST must create and maintain a databank of Balik Scientists who availed of the Program from the start of implementation, to serve as a directory and guide for promoting Filipino scientific research and technological human resources for R&D in public and private corporations.
Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of the Act, DOST must promulgate the necessary IRR in consultation with concerned agencies and relevant stakeholders.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.