Diwata-1 engineer shares grievances against DOST

Paolo Espiritu, an engineer who worked on the Diwata-1, the  Philippines' first microsatellite, complained in an April 1 social media post of alleged ill treatment they received from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Espiritu, a BS Electronics and Communications Engineering graduate from the University of the Philippines in Diliman,  wrote a lengthy account of the events leading to the historic launch of the Diwata-1. Although he described the event as a "miracle", he claimed that the treatment they received from DOST was discouraging.

"It all started in 2014, when we were invited to work on the project," wrote Espiritu. "We have just finished our engineering degrees then, and naturally we were all excited to build the Philippines’ first microsatellite."

"But upon receiving the contracts, all of us were confused as to exactly what our involvement in the project is. All the contract entailed was for us to receive a scholarship to study Aerospace Engineering in exchange for years of return service," Espiritu continued.

The group tried to talk to DOST about the provisions of the contract, but Espiritu said that they were instructed to "take it in good faith."

In a meeting just days away before they were to depart for Japan, they were told that if they signed the questionable contract, the DOST would later present them with a new agreement that would clearly state their involvement and responsibilities in the project.

Furthermore, they were told that the supposed new contract would detail their rights as engineers.

However, on paper, they retained the label students—even if they were working from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

"We go the lab on Saturdays. We go to the lab on Sundays. We go to the lab on holidays. We go to the lab during Christmas. So no. We are not just students," Espiritu explained.

"Meanwhile the Local Team members and DOST officials, who have no direct involvement in the actual microsatellite development, come and go to Japan to attend seminars and events, with travel fees fully covered plus salary, without subject to service bonds, and with a clear involvement in the project on paper," he added.

He described the treatment as outrageous and disrespectful to Filipino scientists.

"We are being used as tools in their projects, no more value than the science equipment and apparatus. They implement service bonds to prevent brain drain. But this disrespect, this injustice, this is what’s discouraging the minds of the country to stay," Espiritu lamented.

He explained further that he could not stay silent on the matter as this would perpetuate the unjust treatment. "If everyone keeps silent and just accepts the system, nothing will change," he concluded.

Espiritu's post had been shared over 8,000 times since April 1.

GMA News Online has sought comment from DOST officials, but they have not replied as of posting time. — Aya Tantiangco/DVM, GMA