...We just invested P1.5 billion [for] Pagasa (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration). But we don’t have meteorologists and climatologists [who will handle the new Pagasa equipment after undergoing a government-financed] graduate program,” he said.
Yumul, a geologist, said the government’s mining program should also benefit the mining boom because it offers Filipino experts an opportunity to upgrade their skills using state subsidy. But universities and mining firms “could not get any people to enter the graduate program,” he said.
“Where are we going to get the warm bodies? Most of them are in the nursing profession and the maritime sector … And yet people complain na walang pera (that there is no money),” he said...
It is hard. The last three Philippine scientist I featured, live in the United States. It does seem that we need a boost to make science interesting to filipino students again.
I know, I know. It's the economy, stupid me.
