Poe bill seeks to draw Pinoy scientists back home

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Grace Poe has called for the grant of incentives and privileges to help entice Filipino scientists working overseas to return to the country and share what they have learned. 

Poe said that a “brain gain” program is needed particularly in the field of science and technology in order to improve potential for growth. 

Senate Bill 1324 filed by Poe proposes the grant of benefits and privileges to returning Filipino experts and professionals who share their technical and technological know-how to spur scientific advancements. 

“This bill envisions a future in which Filipino scientists contribute to nation-building and inclusive growth through the acceleration of research and development in the country,” Poe said.

Filipino scientists tapped for short-term programs or those that last for at least 30 days would receive benefits that include round-trip airfare, reimbursement of excess baggage costs, relocation and tax-exempt daily allowance, participation in grants-in-aid research and development projects, and donation of instruments and materials related to scientific activities.

For those tapped for medium-term engagement or a duration of six to 12 months, the bill would extend the same benefits plus exemption from payment of travel tax including their immediate family and exemption from submission of immigration clearance certificate and payment of multiple-entry fees.

For the long-term program lasting for 24 to 36 months, the benefits would include housing provision, reimbursement of expenses for the shipment of personal effects and professional instruments including one motor vehicle, exemption from securing an alien employment permit, budget to put up a laboratory, in addition to standard benefits extended to short- and medium-term programs.

Citing data from the Department of Science and Technology, Poe noted that the “brain drain” or outbound science and technology workers in the Philippines has increased 148 percent – from 9,877 in 1998 to 24,502 in 2009.  

This means that research and development personnel stands at 165 per one million Filipinos, way below the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recommendation of 380 per one million persons.