Senator Grace Poe on Sunday raised alarm on the need for initiatives to stem brain drain that deprives the Filipinos quality and efficient telecommunications services.
Poe, who chairs the public services committee, raised the matter as the panel prepares to convene for a public hearing on Dec. 7, Monday to tackle measures granting the application for franchises of several telecommunications companies in the country.
Poe noted that many households have complained that telcos service providers could not seem to find a steady fix for the internet and signal problems of their subscribers.
“It seemed they’re lacking for good people because the problems kept on coming back. that is also the problem here in our so-called brain drain,” she said.
She said OFWs are happy because their capacity and talent are being recognized in other countries but our country has been losing the “good ones.”
The senator exhorted local businesses to open up quality opportunities to Filipinos, so they would not be forced to work abroad.
“Importante sana na magdagdag ng sapat na trabaho dito sa atin. Magbukas pa sana ng pwesto, kasi kulang sila ng teknikal na tao. Kapag nagkakaroon ng bagyo, kapag nagkakaroon ng kung anumang aberya, hindi rin nila maasikaso agad,” she said.
“Huwag sanang magtipid sa pagbibigay ng trabaho sa ating mga kababayan dahil kung sila ay hindi na kinakailangang umalis, mas maraming makakatugon sa ating pangangailangan dito at sila rin ay mayroong pagkakakitaan, hindi na kailangang iwanan ang pamilya,” Poe said.
Even as the government put the screws on the telcos to erect more towers and needed infrastructure all over the country, Poe said it is vital to ensure that the daily operations are manned by competent and knowledgeable people to address the needs of the public for reliable, accessible and affordable connection.
On Monday’s hearing, the senator said she will ask for a report from the telcos on their compliance to the government’s directive to accelerate the building of cell towers, including those in far-flung areas.
The Bayanihan to Recover As One Act or Bayanihan 2 has waived several permit requirements for the telcos to allow them to hasten the construction of cell towers..
Poe said the public services panel will also look into the application of the third player, Dito Telecommunity Corporation, for another 25-year franchise.
She said her committee will ask for an update on the earlier commitment of Dito to deliver a minimum internet speed of 27 mbps and to provide services to certain unserved and underserved areas in the country.