Press Release
December 25, 2007

ANGARA ACKNOWLEDGES ROLE OF OFWS IN PROMOTING S&T

Just like in the past, OFW remittances are again at its highest this holiday season. Filipinos abroad, in an effort to join the festivities of the season, send remittances to their families back home.

In line with this, Senator Edgardo J. Angara calls for the renewal of the meaning of 'remittances.' "We will give remittances a new definition. Instead of focusing on the money that they may bring in to the country, we must also look at the knowledge and expertise they have learned and try to apply it to local industries," said the Senator.

He is calling for the active participation of Filipino scientists, technologists and engineers working abroad in promoting Science and Technology.

He added that apart from capitalizing on remittances, there is a need to look at the role of OFWs involved in science and technology as "conduit for harnessing networks for development and competitiveness." He added that this group can help bridge the technology gap in the country.

He mentioned Jimmy Itao of Industrial Control Corporation and Joseph Allan Dilay of JAD Group Companies as good examples of OFWs who found success at home by capitalizing on the skills and knowledge they have acquired while working abroad, and sharing them to the country. Both worked as engineers in the Middle East.

Focus must be on Science and Technology and research and development (R&D) as these are the "sectors where the country is greatly lacking yet the ones that will give the biggest return on investments."

He further added that technological progress will be achieved through investment in basic infrastructure, technical and financial support to SMEs and through the creation of a "culture that supports change and innovation."

He cautioned however that at the heart of this culture must be a respect for the rule of law. "Why invent when it could be stolen? Why risk capital in an inhospitable business environment?"

Earlier, the Senator together, with the AIM Policy Center, is pushing for the revival the Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC).

"STAC is a potentially effective tool for technology-transfer to the country," he pointed out adding that STAC may partner with the Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering (COMSTE).

"Through STAC-COMSTE cooperation, we will address our waning competitiveness and build public support for making the wealth-generating fields of science, technology, engineering a national priority."

COMSTE, authored by Senator Angara and created by the Congress, will look into the country's science, engineering and technology development. The Commission will undertake a thorough review of science education in public and private schools.

STAC is an organization of Filipino science and technology students and professionals working abroad. It was created following Executive Order 239 (July 1987) reorganizing the Department of Foreign Affairs and giving the Secretary the authority to create advisory boards and committees to assist and provide him advice in the formulation of substantive policies. It was intended to act as unofficial S&T attaches or ambassadors of goodwill through constant monitoring of scientific and technological developments abroad, facilitating technology transfer, performing voluntary consultancies and providing conduits of assistance.

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