DOST inks MS, PhD scholarship program with 2 Canadian universities, promotes Balik Scientist Program

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., in coordination with Consul General Zaldy B. Patron of the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary, led the DOST Philippine delegation to Canada from March 11 – 14, 2024. The trip enabled the science agency to sign agreements with the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and the University of Alberta (UAlberta), shepherding more scholarship opportunities for Filipinos in Canada.

The first agreement signed by Secretary Solidum is the Implementing Agreement with the USask last March 11, 2024. The Implementing Agreement aims to promote long-term collaboration and exchange in graduate education between the DOST and USask through the DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) – USask Graduate Scholarship Program (DOST-SEI-USask GSP). This creates a mechanism for doctoral students from the Philippines to study and conduct research at USask with support provided jointly through DOST-SEI scholarships and USask.

The DOST-SEI-USask GSP will provide up to ten (10) scholarships per year to eligible students at USask. The partnership involves USask providing discounted rates (local Canadian rate for Filipino students) and research funding for their dissertation.

The second agreement is a renewal contract, signed on March 13, 2024, which aims to promote long-term collaboration and exchange in graduate education through the continued implementation of the DOST-University of Alberta (UAlberta) Graduate Scholarship Program (GSP). The scholarship program will create mechanisms for doctoral and master’s students from the Philippines to study and conduct research at UAlberta with support provided jointly through DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) scholarships and UAlberta.

“Economic prosperity is linked to the industries employing highly educated individuals like science workers,” said DOST Secretary Solidum. “The signed agreements on scholarship programs with the two universities will set the pace of our flourishing engagement with academic members here in Canada. Through these initiatives, we hope to augment the STI human resources in the country and increase the quality of career opportunities for scientists and engineers.”

Secretary Solidum also led a highly successful orientation session on opportunities for Filipino community in Saskatchewan and Edmonton, Canada. The event for Saskatchewan was hosted by The Filipino-Canadian Association of Saskatchewan Inc. (FILCAS) in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary. While the event for Edmonton was hosted by Philippine Business Society of Alberta and the Edmonton Philippine International Centre (EPIC) in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary. During the orientation sessions, the attendees were oriented on the programs and priorities of the DOST with emphasis on the Balik Scientist Program (BSP)’s background, its milestones, foundational impacts, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and incentives.

Secretary Solidum underscored the Philippine government’s commitment to supporting Filipino scientists in making significant contributions to local and global innovation. “There is an unwritten qualification in becoming a Balik Scientist, it is the heart to serve the Filipino people and the country. It is what will truly drive us to become a true Balik Scientist,” remarked Secretary Solidum.