Once again, on behalf of the PIKO Executive Committee and the BSP Secretariat, I would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has participated in our BSP Webinar. We have participants from South Korea, Taiwan, China, India, Hongkong, Japan, Australia, USA, Sweden, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and the Philippines. Thank you so much for your participation; your presence has made this webinar truly fruitful and rewarding.

To our DOST Secretary Fortunato De La Peña and Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevarra, thank you for accepting us as a partner for this webinar. To our Balik Scientists Dr. Ereful, Dr. Saludes, and Dr. Villalobos, and to the representatives of the BSP Councils, thank you for your time and for the valuable information you have shared with us.

As a Filipino scholar in South Korea, I can honestly say that it’s tempting to stay here, even after obtaining my degree, because of the accessibility to research needs and the convenience of life is here. But we have to remember that we, the Filipino scholars abroad, are the “chosen ones.” We are the ones given an opportunity to see, to explore, and to learn from other countries so that when we go back to the Philippines, we can apply and share our expertise and be the catalyst in boosting our country’s scientific potential. As what our DOST secretary has mentioned, let us put our hearts in serving the Philippines.

Let us draw inspiration from our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, who once became a balik scientist. He carried with him the spirit of patriotism and excellence throughout his journey that encouraged him to return to our country. Now, it is our time to be the modern heroes of this generation. It is our time to be the new set of Balik Scientists.

As the saying goes, ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. But this Balik Scientist Program allows us to do something for our country, while also paving the way or letting our country do something for us.

I hope that just like me, this webinar has also encouraged you na magBalik Puso, Balik Pilipinas, at Balik Scientist. The Philippines has something in store for us. Mayroon tayong babalikan. Mayroong naghihintay sa atin sa sarili nating bayan. Sana from balikbayan boxes, balik Scientist naman.

Once again, thank you, everyone, kamsahamnida (감사합니다)!