EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 130 - INSTITUTING THE BALIK SCIENTIST PROGRAM UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

WHEREAS, the Balik Scientist Program (“Program”) was established pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 819 dated 24 October 1975 for a period of five (5) years and was extended up to October 1986 by Letter of Instruction No. 1044 dated 18 July 1980;  

WHEREAS, the Program allowed any foreign-based scientist, professional, technician, or any person with special skill or expertise who is of Filipino origin or descent to practice his/her profession or expertise in the Philippines provided he/she shall first register with the Professional Regulation Commission;

WHEREAS, Sec. 2, Chapter 1, Title XVIII, Book IV of the Administrative Code of 1987 mandates the Department of Science and Technology to “formulate and implement policies, plans, programs, and projects for the development of science and technology and for the promotion of scientific and technological activities for both the public and private sectors and ensure that the results of scientific and technological activities are properly applied and utilized to accelerate economic and social development”;

WHEREAS, the Department of Science and Technology has approved the revival of the Program, with the different features, as part of its Science and Technology, Human Resource Development Program:

WHEREAS, utilizing the expertise of expatriate Filipino scientists and technologists is a vital component of the Government’s industrialization efforts;

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Government to encourage Filipino science and technology experts from abroad to return to the Philippines and share their expertise for the purpose of accelerating the industrial development of the country; and

WHEREAS, this renewed Program aims to strengthen the scientific and technological manpower of the academe and public and private institutions in order to promote information exchange and accelerate the flow of new technology into the country.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

Section 1. A Balik Scientist Program is hereby instituted under the Department of Science and Technology.

Sec. 2. A Balik Scientist is a science or technology expert, as may be defined by the Department of Science and Technology, who is a Filipino citizen or a foreigner of Filipino descent, residing abroad and contracted by the National Government to return and work in the Philippines along his/her field of expertise for a short term with a duration of at least one (1) month (“Short-Term Program”) or long term with a duration of at least two (2) years (“Long-Term Program”).

Sec. 3. A Balik Scientist under the Short-Term Program may, through the Department of Science and Technology, be granted and/or avail of the following incentives:

a. Free round-trip economy airfare originating from a foreign country to the Philippines by direct route, and such other privileges given under the Short-Term Program implementing guidelines; and

b. Grants-in-aid for research and development projects approved by the Secretary of Science and Technology.

Sec. 4. A Balik Scientist under the Long-Term Program and returning new graduates from DOST-recognized science and technology foreign institutions may, through the Department of Science and Technology, be granted and/or avail of the following incentives:

a. Free one-way economy airfare from a foreign country to the Philippines, including airfare for the spouse and two (2) minor dependents; free return trip economy airfare after completion of two (2) years in the case of Balik Scientists, and three (3) years in the case of new graduates;

b. Duty-free importation of professional instruments and implements, tools of trade, occupation or employment, wearing apparel, domestic animals, and personal and household effects in quantities and of the class suitable to the profession, rank or position of the persons importing them, for their own use and not for barter or sale, in accordance with Section 105 of the Tariff and Customs Code;  

c. No-dollar importation of motor vehicles, provided that the importer companies with and is qualified in accordance with the Board of Investments’ Guidelines on No-Dollar Importation of Second-Hand Motor Vehicles of Returning Residents/Immigrants and such other guidelines as may be issued by the Bureau of Import Services and the Department of Trade and Industry;

d. Exemption from payment of travel tax for Filipino permanent residents abroad in accordance with Sec. 2 of Presidential Decree No. 1183. Those not falling under the exempted categories of Sec. 2 of Presidential Decree No. 1183 may be exempted under Sec. 3 of Republic Act No. 6768 approved on 3 November 1989, otherwise known as the Balikbayan Program;

e. Reimbursement of freight expenses for the shipment of a car and personal effects;
The family of the expert/new graduate shall be reimbursement the freight expenses for 2-1/2 tons volume weight for surface shipment of a car and personal effects. In addition when travelling by air, the expert/new graduate is entitled or reimbursement for excess baggage not exceeding 20 kgs. per adult and 10 kgs. per minor dependent. Any excess shall be borne by the expert/new graduate;

f. Housing may be arranged through predetermined institutions;

g. Assistance in securing a certificate of registration without examination or an exemption from the licensure requirement of the Professional Regulation Commission to practice profession, expertise or skill in the Philippines in accordance with Sec. 5 of Presidential Decree No. 223 dated 22 June 1973, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 657 dated 19 February 1975;

h. Grants-in-aid for research and development projects approved by the Secretary of Science and Technology; and

i. The participants under this Program including their dependents, as certified by the Department of Science and Technology, shall be granted by the Secretary of Justice special non-immigrant visas under Sec. 47 (a) (2) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, after compliance with the requirements therefor. Said participants including their dependents shall be exempted from the payment of visa, immigration and registration fees in accordance with Sec. 251 of the Philippine Foreign Service Code of 1983.