In collaboration with the Philippine Science and Technology Center – Saranggani, General Santos, the Scientific Career System held an orientation seminar last November 6, 2015 at the Sun City Suites, General Santos City. Participants were personnel from local government units, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region XII, and students and faculty members of stateuniversities and colleges, such as Mindanao State University (MSU) and University of Southern Mindanao (USM). The orientation aimed to introduce the Scientific Career System as a system of recruitment, career progression, recognition and reward for researchers in the public service.
Acd. Ruben L. Villareal, former Chairman of the STC on Agricultural Sciences, led the orientation. He discussed the legal basis and objectives of the system. According to him, high caliber scientists are needed to address several challenges of the country such as low scientific productivity, global competitiveness ranking, and global innovation index. He took note that SCS was patterned after the Career Executive Service Officers (CESO). He also explained the incentives and benefits, basic qualifications, and the process of application for admission.
Representatives of the DOST-Magna Carta Committee were also invited to discuss the benefits of admission to SCS. Ms. Joana J. Angostora presented the RA 8439 Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and Other S&T Personnel in the Government. Her presentation included the objectives and the rights of S&T Personnel. She focused on the accreditation aspect, the guidelines on the availment of benefits under RA No. 8439 for S&T Personnel not employed by the DOST and the requirements to be submitted to DOST.
Dr. Raul D. Dumol discussed the benefits that can be received under the Magna Carta such as hazard pay, subsistence allowance and longevity pay. His presentation included the definition and computation of these allowances, and who are entitled to the different allowances.
Through this orientation, a scientific career path for researchers in the government service was introduced to future scientists. It also created awareness on the need for highly productive scientists in the country. Student participants were very much encouraged to take the scientific career path in the future. Introducing the SCS to prospective scientists is a small step that can greatly create an impact in the future of the country’s scientific productivity.