DAVAO CITY, 1 July — In a bid to reverse the so-called Brain drain” that continues to affect the country, the Department of Science and Techonology (DOST) is offering economic and career packages to entice foreign-based Filipino scientists, medical experts and skilled Overseas Filipino Workers to return home.
Among the perks to be offered, according to Delia Morados, DOST regional chief in Davao, are free housing, tax-exempt transport of foreign-made vehicles and home appliances and attractive honoraria.
This early, four foreign-based Filipino scientists have signified interest to return and practice their expertise in Southern Mindanao, Morados said.
But many Filipino scientists and engineers who have trained or work abroad find difficulty returning due to bureaucratic red tape.
A chemical engineer said his experience abroad was not enough and he was told to take more government licensure examinations.
“The brain drain problem has sapped the talents in the country dry. But we will reverse brain drain this time,” Morados told the media.
Morados disclosed that brilliant Filipino scientists, doctors and engineers left for abroad over the past decades because of poor compensation and lack of facilities and laboratories in the country.
Morados stressed the establishment of local laboratories and research centers is a major “come-on” in the DOST package to entice foreign-based Filipino experts to finally return and help rebuild the country.
Morados said the DOST has started establishing a network of contacts in various communities, the academe and corporate circles abroad to reach out to the Filipino experts aboad.
Morados admitted, though, that the DOST sees some problem areas in convincing the experts to come home, especially in Mindanao, because of the island’s negative image.
The DOST is focusing on inviting experts in the field of micro-electronics, food and agriculture, especially in the area of biotechnology and information technology.
Southern Mindanao, she said, will focus on research and development in these fields.
