'Brain gain' project to revive PHL’s S&T industry, senator says

The Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) “brain gain" project, which aims to counter the growing number of Filipinos choosing to work abroad, can possibly revive the country’s ailing science and technology (S&T) industry, a senator remarked Wednesday. In a statement, Senator Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Senate committee on S&T, said the program can reel in highly qualified Filipino professionals from abroad and help steer the sector to growth. Launched only recently, the "Balik-Trabaho sa Pinas" program (BTPP) seeks to re-absorb returning OFWs and provide them with well-paying jobs in the country, or opportunities to setup their own businesses. “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," Angara explained. "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 added. S&T for economic growth According to Angara, 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. At present, only 165 R&D personnel are available per million Filipinos, way below the UNESCO recommendation of 380 per million capita needed for economic development. Angara further urged the government to make a concerted effort to make these highly skilled workers 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," he said. According to data from the National Statistics Office, of the 1.9 million Filipinos working abroad in 2009, 10.1% are professionals. The number of S&T professionals leaving the country, meanwhile, has increased by as much as 148% in the last decade, according to a Department of Science and Technology study. — TJD, GMA News