Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11035)
The title of the Act is the "Balik Scientist Act".
The State recognizes the utilization of expertise of Filipino science, technology, or innovation experts as vital to national development and supports their participation in research and development initiatives.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) administers the Balik Scientist Program.
A Balik Scientist is a science, technology or innovation expert or professional of Filipino descent, certified by the DOST, who undertakes science and technology activities in a host institution in the Philippines under short-term, medium-term, or long-term engagement.
There are three types: Short-Term Engagement (15 days to 6 months), Medium-Term Engagement (more than 6 months but not exceeding 1 year), and Long-Term Engagement (more than 1 year to 3 years, renewable).
Benefits include exemption from PRC licensing/permits, accident and medical insurance, reimbursement for excess baggage for scientific activities, exemption from renouncing oaths of allegiance, tax and duty exemptions on donations and importation of equipment.
Benefits include round-trip airfare for awardees and their families, special nonimmigrant visas, exemption from alien employment permits, tax and duty exemptions on personal effects and vehicles, admission assistance for children, employment assistance for spouses, relocation allowance, and monthly housing allowance.
Balik Scientists shall assume mentorship, leadership, professional or technical roles in the R&D Leadership Program and similar initiatives with contracts involving the DOST, the host agency, and themselves.
They must submit their respective accomplishment reports to ensure proper application and utilization of scientific and technological activities.
The databank serves as a directory and guide to promote Filipino scientific research and technological human resources, improving R&D in public and private corporations in the Philippines.
The invalidity of any provision shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of the Act (separability clause).
The Act took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.