Govt effort to arrest ‘brain drain’ gets support from senator

MANILA — A Labor department initiative to arrest “brain drain” could usher in a renaissance in science and technology, a senator said on Wednesday.

Senator Edgardo Angara expressed support for a Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) program to entice migrant Filipino workers to work in the Philippines instead. He said giving scientists and technical professionals competitive salaries will give them a reason to stay and contribute to research and development.

“The sheer number of foreign companies recruiting Filipino workers are a testament to the world-class abilities of our professionals. Unfortunately, this [has] a negative impact in the Philippines because of the dwindling number of qualified leaders to steer these sectors,” he said.

The Dole anonunced earlier this week that it will launch a “Balik-Trabaho sa Pinas” program (BTPP) for returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Dole will help the OFWs find high-paying jobs in the Philippines and financial support for those who want to put up their own businesses.

Dole will also give returning OFWs with updated information on job vacancies and developments in the job market.(Jonathan de Santos/Sunnex)