Philippines' Brain Drain Crisis: Top Talent Fleeing Due to Poor Education Standards
The Philippines faces a brain drain crisis, with highly skilled professionals like engineers, doctors, and IT workers leaving the country to contribute to other nations' growth. This exodus is due to poor education standards and a lack of national strategy to retain and nurture talent, according to Dr. Brian To, a prominent voice in education reform.
The Philippines' literacy, math, and science competencies lag behind those of neighboring ASEAN economies. Covid-19 disruptions have further eroded education standards, leaving them two years behind global benchmarks. Dr. To, a speaker at the upcoming Cebu Province Economic Forum 3.0, urges the government and private sector to invest in continuing professional education and language proficiency to boost competitiveness.
Every day, around three to four Boeing 747s worth of Filipinos depart for overseas work. Remittances, which account for roughly 11 percent of the country's GDP, are a lifeline but also a symptom of the talent drain. Dr. To argues that the education system is pushing students abroad, serving other economies instead of the Philippines' own growth.
Dr. To calls education reform a 'national emergency', advocating for longer school hours and higher-quality instruction. He urges the government to implement a national strategy to retain and nurture Filipino talent, rather than relying on remittances. With the Philippines' brightest minds contributing to other countries' progress, addressing this issue is crucial for the nation's future prosperity.
