'Brain gain' program for returning OFWs developed

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 04/28/2011 3:52 PM | Updated as of 04/28/2011 6:38 PM

 

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will initiate a multi-sectoral brain-gain program to further improve the skills and provide entrepreneurship opportunities for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

"The initiative is the DOLE's response to the brain-drain phenomenon depleting the country's pool of skilled workers and experts who are attracted to work abroad for higher pay," said DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.

 

Dubbed as “Balik-Trabaho sa Pinas’ Program (BTPP), advocates the return of skilled professional OFWs to the country.

 

"The BTPP program will provide OFW returnees the option to stay in the Philippines to work for better paying positions that have been affected by brain-drain, or set up a lucrative business in the country to meet domestic demand for products and services," Baldoz added.

 

Baldoz added that the program will engage highly-skilled and professional OFWs as expert trainers in the conduct of transfer of new technologies and other training and in the sharing of new knowledge they have learned from abroad to their fellow OFWs or fellow Filipinos who need such training to find better paying jobs or engage in business or livelihood in the country.

 

"The DOLE will also link up with labor, business, and other partners in providing an enabling and conducive environment that will encourage the return of our OFWs," said Baldoz.

 

The program will provide a package of services, including training, investment, savings and entrepreneurship assistance to OFW returnees. It will also provide the OFWs real time information on available jobs and labor market developments, accreditation, and permits for reemployment.

 

"The DOLE will engage local government units (LGUs) in implementing the Skills Registry System (SRS) for skills profiling of their constituents, including OFWs, to identify those who may be invited to conduct technology transfer and those who are in need of skills training and entrepreneurship assistance.