Aspiring scientists from the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) participated in the “Scientific Career System (SCS) Orientation and Mentoring: Be a Career Scientist” on August 9, 2024 at Luxent Hotel, Quezon City.

Executive Lilian Garcia, in a video message, expressed NFRDI’s shared vision with SCS, to increase the number of world-class Filipino scientists in government service, who will become essential partners in modernizing the sector.

“To keep pace with rapid technological changes, continuous professional development is essential. The government looks at scientists as vital partners in enhancing the lives of our people and advancing towards a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable nation,” said Dr. Garcia.

She also noted that the NFRDI currently has five Career Scientists. Two of them, Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos, a Scientist V, and Dr. Maria Theresa Mutia, a Career Scientist I, were speakers at the orientation. Dr. Santos discussed the details of the system, while Dr. Mutia provided the synthesis.

Other speakers were Dr. Roel Suralta, Scientist III, DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (predatory journals and conferences); Dr. Alvie Asuncion-Astronomo, Scientist I, DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (ethics for researchers); Dr. Merdelyn Caasi-Lit, Scientist II, UPLB-Institute of Plant Breeding (SCS mentoring program), and Dr. Evelyn Gergon, retired Scientist I, Philippine Association of Career Scientists, Inc. (scientific accomplishments and guidelines).

Aside from the series of presentations, the afternoon session was dedicated to one-on-one mentoring opportunities aimed at helping participants discover their ideal career paths within the scientific field. This personalized approach ensured that each aspiring scientist received the support and guidance needed to turn their passion for science into a fulfilling and impactful career.

Co-implemented by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Department of Science and Technology-National Academy of Science and Technology (DOST-NAST), SCS is a system for recruitment, career progression, and recognition. It provides incentives and rewards the scientist rank to qualified research personnel in government service, ensuring the attraction and retention of highly qualified individuals in the S&T sector.

Since its institutionalization in 1983, the SCS has conferred 213 scientists in the country, only 72 are currently active. The encouraging news is that the majority of these conferred scientists come from DA. ### (Rita dela Cruz)