20 April 2022, CANBERRA – Dr. Rowena Guevara, Undersecretary for Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines, met the Filipino STEM community in Australia in a virtual meeting on 18 April 2022 hosted by the Embassy of the Philippines in Canberra.

The Undersecretary is leading a high-level delegation of DOST officials to meet counterparts in the Australian government this week as well as current and potential partners in universities in Melbourne, Townsville and Brisbane. In Canberra, the delegation met officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. The visit is in line with the Plan of Action signed by the Philippines and Australia in the Ministerial Meeting held in August 2021, that strengthens bilateral cooperation on science, technology and innovation.

Speaking from Canberra to the Filipino scientists, experts and engineers from across Australia, Undersecretary Guevara provided updates on the developments in the science, technology and innovation ecosystem in the Philippines including state of the art facilities established, increase in government research funding and challenges and opportunities in the country’s digital transformation.

Undersecretary Guevara invited the Filipino STEM community to participate in the Balik Scientist program and contribute in strengthening the scientific and technological human resources in the Philippines and accelerate the flow of new technologies in the country. Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen De La Vega said that the Filipino STEM community play a significant role in building and nurturing linkages between the Philippines and Australia and reinforce collaboration in developing evidence-based solutions to address current and emerging threats.

The program featured the testimonial of Dr. Iderlina Mateo-Babiano, Assistant Dean at the University of Melbourne and a recognized international scholar in sustainable and active transportation science, who is a two-time Balik Scientist awardee.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Leah Buendia, Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation, underscored the importance of the Balik Scientist program and the commitment of the Philippine government to support Filipino scientists, experts and engineers.

Further information on the Balik Scientist program is available in www.bspms.dost.gov.ph -- END