𝐈𝐂𝐘𝐌𝐈: 𝐂𝐅𝐎 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬

As part of its efforts to leverage the expertise of the overseas Filipinos, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) – 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀 (𝗣𝗔𝗙𝗜𝗢𝗢) 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁 and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗸 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 (𝗕𝗦𝗣) 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁 convened for a meeting on March 12, 2025 to strengthen collaboration and maximize the impact of overseas Filipino scientists on national development.

Representing the CFO, Director Rodrigo V. Garcia, Jr. of the Policy Planning and Research Division (PPRD) presented an overview of PAFIOO, particularly its Pamana ng Pilipino category, which honors outstanding overseas Filipinos who have excelled in their respective fields and elevated the nation’s global reputation. Meanwhile, Ms. Arianne Rosete, DOST’s Project Technical Specialist III, introduced the BSP, a flagship initiative that encourages highly skilled Filipino scientists to return to the country and contribute to scientific research, technology transfer, and innovation-driven projects.

Highlighting the program’s impact, the CFO noted that between 2010 and 2024, 42 PAFIOO awardees were recognized for their contributions in BSP priority areas, such as (1) agriculture, aquatic & natural resources, (2) health, (3) industry, energy & emerging technology. Notable examples are Dr. Josefino C. Comiso, a 2020-2022 PAFIOO Pamana ng Pilipino Awardee and Balik-Scientist specializing in polar science, and Dr. Jane Y. Gerardo-Abaya, a 2024 PAFIOO Pamana ng Pilipino Awardee and Balik-Scientist specializing in geology, geothermal hydrology, and nuclear hydrology.

To enhance awareness and engagement, CFO committed to promoting BSP opportunities among PAFIOO awardees. This includes disseminating BSP materials at registration areas during the registration of CFO clients, encouraging Filipino scientists to participate in the program. DOST welcomed this initiative, recognizing also the CFO’s unique role in tracking and engaging overseas Filipino professionals. CFO also encouraged DOST to actively nominate distinguished Balik-Scientists for PAFIOO, ensuring their outstanding contributions receive due recognition.

In celebration of CFO’s 45th anniversary, the CFO also invited DOST to participate in a forum highlighting government initiatives that support overseas Filipinos. This event will serve as a platform to showcase the achievements of Filipino migrants and reinforce collaborative efforts in engaging the global Filipino community.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of CFO and DOST to harness the expertise of overseas Filipinos in science, technology, and national progress. Both agencies agreed to continue strengthening policies, expanding outreach efforts, and recognizing distinguished Filipinos who bring pride and innovation to the country.