Benguet State University (BSU) welcomed Balik-Scientist Venecio Ultra Jr. on January 15, 2024. Prof. Ultra, the third Balik-Scientist received by BSU, is an associate professor of the Botswana International University of Science and Technology. He will be sharing his expertise with BSU researchers and students on environmental soil chemistry and mineralogy through a series of engagements until December 2024.

As a Balik-Scientist, Prof. Ultra expressed his commitment to helping research groups strengthen Research and Development (R&D) programs. He also expressed his support to bridging the gap between Filipino researchers and the Philippine government in the promotion of R&D.

“What are the barriers these research groups encounter that hinder them from being productive in research activities? As a Balik-Scientist, I want to be a mediator or a channel that can provide them with what is happening on the ground… why do we have this weak output in our R&D activities?” he asked.

In addition, he emphasized the need for more individuals skilled with hands-on R&D activities, particularly in the Philippines where exposure to practical training may be limited for students.

Drawing from his experiences, Professor Ultra acknowledged the challenges faced by scientists and stressed the importance of discipline, perseverance, and the acceptance of failure in the journey towards success. He shared best practices with BSU faculty and students aspiring to become scientists, urging them to embrace the work, develop passion, exercise patience, and never give up. He expressed optimism towards the significance of his collaboration with BSU.

“It’s good that we are starting the collaboration. I’m optimistic that we have some good things to come as long as the BSU Core Team will continue to engage with me,” he expressed. The BSU core team are the College of Agriculture (CA), College of Forestry (CF), College of Engineering (CE), College of Natural Sciences (CNS), Center for Geoinformatics (GIS), and the Institute for Social Research and Development (ISRD) which are BSU offices and colleges that have programs related to Ultra’s expertise in environment and chemistry.

As part of his engagement, Professor Ultra served as the resource person for the Seminar on Assessment and Mitigation of Heavy Metal Pollution in Agricultural Areas and Food Systems: The Case of Botswana and the Philippines, held on January 17-18 at the Everlasting Hall and Online. It was spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension, GIS, CA, Cordillera Organic Agriculture Research and Development Center (COARDC), and Cordillera Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Resources Research and Development (CORCARRD).

The first day of the seminar focused on packaging and development of research proposals related to the assessment and mitigation of heavy metal pollution in the environment, biodiversity, agricultural areas, and food systems. This was participated by BSU researchers and faculty members.

On the second day, Prof. Ultra shared his study on heavy metal pollution in agricultural areas and food systems in Botswana and the Philippines and how to address its negative impacts. The seminar was attended by over 300 participants from different educational institutions, including BSU, and public and private organizations nationwide.

GIS Director Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, one of the seminar organizers and a seasoned BSU researcher, appreciated the relevance of the topics discussed by Prof. Ultra.

“First, heavy metal pollution has negative impacts on human health, environment, and in the agricultural sector. Vegetables with heavy metal contamination is a big concern for someone’s health. Now as a researcher, your duty is not only focused on the scientific community but the community itself and we hope to prevent or mitigate this harmful impact. Also, one of the economic activities in Benguet is mining that’s why Dr. Ultra has chosen BSU,” he said.

Lumbres added that the seminar would help BSU researchers develop a research proposal to address the negative impact of heavy metal pollution in the ecosystem. He hoped that students would gain awareness of the negative impacts of mining and they would contribute strategies to mitigate these. He also looked forward to more R&D outputs with the guidance of the Balik-Scientist.

“The University is honored that Dr. Ultra came to BSU. We expect to have more collaborative R&D projects with him and it’s a big opportunity that he came to the University to be involved in the mitigation of heavy metal pollution in agricultural land and food systems which is relevant in Benguet and the Cordillera,” he said.

He also hoped the University would accommodate Balik-Scientists every year.

“Because we are into internationalization and to support our pursuit for international level, we need Balik-Scientists,” Lumbres added.

On January 19, Professor Ultra together with the BSU Core Team conducted a survey in Mankayan, Benguet for possible research activities related to mining.

Aside from engaging in research activities, Professor Ultra also shared his work experiences and some of the Botswana cultures with the BSU community.

The Balik-Scientist Program, established in 1975 through Presidential Decree 819, aims to encourage Filipino scientists to return to the Philippines and share their expertise contributing to the country’s development.//EBawayan