Pay increase for S&T professionals urged

To plug the problem of “brain drain" in the Philippines, a lawmaker has suggested that both private and public companies boost their compensation packages offered to Filipino professionals in the fields of science and engineering. According to a study by the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST)-Science Education Institute (SEI), the numbers of science and technology workers leaving to work abroad had increased by 148 percent in the last decade. “Although our economy has been gradually improving, we still can’t blame our scientists, researchers and academicians for seeking better-paying jobs abroad — right now there are simply more opportunities for them in other countries which will let them provide for their families," said Sen. Edgardo J. Angara, who chairs the Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering (Comste). Around 24,500 white-collar employees, mostly health professionals and engineers left the country in 2009. According to Angara, chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, this is proof of the skill and competitiveness of Filipinos in the global market. “So many countries hire Filipino doctors, nurses, scientists and engineers — testifying to the world-class abilities of our professionals. However, this would have a negative impact in their sectors here in the Philippines because of the dwindling number of qualified leaders," he said. “The bottom line is, we must make a concerted effort to make these fine minds stay in the Philippines where they are sorely needed. Perhaps higher salaries, better benefits and opportunities for further training and education would convince them to work for our country instead," asserted Angara The lawmaker said that a report by the commission listed the lack of high level S&T and engineering degree holders and weak R&D infrastructure as the foremost reasons why the country is lagging behind in terms of S&T development. The Philippine American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE), which is a professional organization of scientists and engineers of Filipino descent who hold PhDs or MS degrees in the United States and other countries, has called on the government to increase the support for R&D to at least 0.5 percent of the GDP. Currently, the country is spending below the recommended 1.1.5 percent for developing countries by the United Nations (UN) or even the 1 percent recommended by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), said Angara. — Newsbytes.ph