EDITORIAL - Importing skills

Being one of the world’s biggest exporters of human resources, it’s not surprising that the Philippines may soon start easing rules to bring in foreign workers. This is the downside of the Filipino diaspora; the country cannot produce enough experienced skilled workers and professionals, especially in highly specialized industries, to fill the void created by those who have found jobs overseas.

Certain sectors have suffered from the lack of skilled workers and professionals for many years now. Among the first to feel an acute loss was the education sector. Filipinos are teaching English and other subjects in many countries. Other teachers have taken jobs as maids abroad for double or triple the salaries they can hope to get in their own country.

In the health sector, doctors, nurses and other professionals left in droves many years ago to meet a huge demand around the globe. Among the results was the shutdown of about 100 private hospitals across the country a few years ago.

Aviation and heavy industries have also lost highly skilled talent to foreign employers. Senior meteorologists in the state weather bureau have left for better paying jobs in the Middle East and elsewhere. Last year the Ninoy Aquino International Airport saw a mass exodus of its aircraft tube operators for higher paying jobs abroad, delaying the processing of flight arrivals and departures. Even BPOs that require English-proficient workers can’t fill thousands of vacancies.

Now the government has announced plans to ease requirements for the entry of foreign workers in 15 occupations where there are shortages of the required skills. Based on consultations with employers and industry stakeholders, the nation lacks architects, chemical engineers, chemists, environmental planners, fisheries technologists, geologists, guidance counselors, licensed librarians, medical technologists, sanitary engineers, computer numerical control machinists, assembly technicians, test technicians, pilots and aircraft mechanics.

If there are no qualified local workers, there is no choice but to import them. At the same time, the government must move to encourage interest among Filipinos for these occupations. Information must be disseminated to high schools about higher education courses where jobs with decent pay await graduates. Companies generally prefer to hire local talent. If the required skills are available locally, employers will see no reason to import workers.