Press Release
April 27, 2011

ANGARA: RETURNING OFW'S TO REVIVE S&T SECTOR

Senator Edgardo J. Angara expressed his support for the "brain gain" project to be launched by the Department of Labor and Employment or DOLE, saying that this program will revive the struggling Science & Technology (S&T) sector in the Philippines.

"The sheer number foreign companies recruiting Filipino workers are a testament to the world-class abilities of our professionals. Unfortunately, this would have a negative impact in the Philippines because of the dwindling number of qualified leaders to steer these sectors," said Angara.

Dubbed as the "Balik-Trabaho sa Pinas" program (BTPP), this initiative is being taken by DOLE to address the growing problem of "brain drain" due to the huge number of Filipino professionals choosing to work abroad. The BTPP seeks to re-absorb returning OFWs, providing them with well-paying job opportunities here in the country.

"A big percentage of our highly trained professionals such as scientists, doctors and engineers are lured by the higher salaries offered in other countries--and we cannot blame them.

However, if we try to provide a competitive compensation package, they would have the option to stay and contribute to the growth of the country," he explained.

Angara cited a study conducted by the Department of Science and Technology, which reported that the number of S&T professionals leaving the country has increased by 148% in the last decade.

According to Angara, chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, this program might just provide the "mindpower" needed to revitalize the nation's S&T industries, and further advance the Research and Development (R&D) sector of the government.

Angara further urged the government to make a concerted effort to

make these fine minds stay in the Philippines where they are sorely needed.

"We must strive to attract the brightest minds towards the industries that will contribute to the growth and progress of the country because lacking a dynamic scientific sector, there will be no innovations to spur the Philippine's growth," said Angara.

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