President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged Filipino scientists and researchers to stay in the country, noting the importance of science and technology to the country's development.

"I encourage our Filipino scientists, researchers, inventors, and innovators, to continue sharing your expertise, especially with young people," Marcos said during the opening ceremonies for the 2022 National Science and Technology Week.

"I urge you to stay in the country as you pursue your career. We will continue to support you and continue to look to you to be active partners of the government."

Reiterating his call for unity, Marcos asked them to partner with the government and dedicate their knowledge and skills to uplift the lives of Filipinos. The Chief Executive cited their potential to help the government take further strides toward a more inclusive, more prosperous, and more sustainable nation, assuring them of government support and promising that his administration would back initiatives to boost science and technology as well as research and development-based solutions to the country's problems, especially in the agriculture sector.