Taguig City, Philippines– Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II met with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Research and Development, Dr. Leah Buendia to discuss possible policy improvements on the Philippine Government’s role in the selection of Filipino researchers and professors participating in the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP).
During the meeting, Undersecretary Buendia expressed the DOST’s concern about the potential loss of promising researchers and engineers who might use the program as a pathway to leave the country. They also discussed the updated EVP Skills List of the Philippines and the possibility of coordinating with the U.S. government to ensure it aligns with the skills needed in the Philippines.
Secretary Ang emphasized the importance of establishing a favorable agreement with DOST, and Undersecretary Buendia expressed gratitude for the CFO’s efforts to help DOST achieve the goal of improving the selection process of Filipino scientists’ participation in the program.
DOST’s Balik Scientist Program and the PROPEL Program were also discussed, wherein CFO expressed its interest as a way to address "Brain Drain". Undersecretary Buendia suggested that the CFO send a proposal to DOST Secretary Renato Solidum to explore these programs and discuss a potential partnership.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to review the draft proposals with DOST’s legal team. Both Secretary Ang and Undersecretary Buendia expressed their anticipation for future collaborations between the two agencies.
