http://www.pinoymattersg.com

I am Irish working in the Philippines looking to channel inward investment into the country for the ICT sector.

I agree with the majority of the comments. Governmental support plays a vital role is stopping migration of highly skilled workers.

It is however normal for 9-5 orientated people to leave and work all over the world for larger companies.

I believe where real focus is supporting small software startups. Usually the best are innovative, but here there is absolutely no financial support for starting a business, little advice, only generic do’s and dont’s of starting a business. So the best loose heart, dont see a future and look to progress in other countries.

There is huge potential here, huge skill, but know one knows about it. I am looking for a simple directory of all software companies in the Philippines.You think I can find one!

Also half of the software associations sites are dead. It all comes down to support. You don’t have it.

There is no PR mungers pro actively promoting the software industry here in other countries.

I gave a small talk recently the topic was the growth of the ICT sector. I have never seen such content free useless information in all my life being promoted as progressive growth.

Support the small man, that is the key. All top performers get tired of the shackles and the slow pace of their company at some point.

The key is have the business development support in place which nurtures top performers and encourages them to start small enterprises…

Anyway, best of luck to you all.

Anyway I’m happy here in the Philippines. You’re right about being more “enterprising.” I want to start my own consulting business. But I also want to work for companies dito sa Baguio before I do so. I’m just waiting for my call and enjoying the fact that I’m jobless (not quite coz I’m helping my aunt manage Health Glow Center).

Imagine, a bottle of beer at the 7-11 costs $7?! Besides, I hate walking and in Singapore you can’t buy a car unless you’re a permanent resident.

First thing I did when I got back was have a long drive in my car

In the Philippines, people will rob you to get your cash and cellphone. The motivation is mostly financial, perhaps from not having a job or having to feed hungry families. Whereas in the US or other countries, murders and robberies are mostly due to psychological issues.

There’s also this notion that the standard of living is better abroad. This is partly true. Yes, you can buy more luxuries, and the living conditions are better. But that’s not all there is to it. Standard of living can also be measured in terms of family and friends. That feeling of stability and comfort being with the people who matter the most to you. You need to look at the overall picture, not just the material stuff.

1. Income. My gross income here is 5 times of that while I was there. But more importantly, my net income is more than 7 times due to the low income tax (32% vs 4-5%).

If only our government could put our taxes to good use, then I’d only feel half as bad.

2. Safety. I can have the latest gadget or jewelry; walk alone in the middle of the night; take public transportation; cross the road; and do all sort of activities without any fear of getting mugged, kidnapped, or killed.

The peace of mind I experience is definitely worth it.

3. Efficiency. The first cab you get within 5 minutes will take you wherever you want to go. The document you need from any government office is available immediately at a fixed price.

4. Stability. I was informed that the chicken rice meal here has remained in the same price from the past 10 years. I heard that our Chicken Joy now costs over a hundred.

Filipinos are usually seen as an inferior race. I would be happy to see more highly skilled professionals going overseas to change this perception. I am always proud to see a Filipino excel in a foreign land.

Besides, the millions of pesos we send home every month supposedly helps our economy.

allow me to enumerate some of the reasons why

1. opportunity
2. higher pay
3. standard of living

yes, it’s “possible” to earn big moolah here in the philippines, but i couldn’t say the same for wielders, security guards, electrician, carpenter, etc. *smile*

@yuga: ako pre yugs walang free lunch?

Aside from the salary issues, also consider our TAX. Grabe. Ok lang na malaki, the thing is I can’t seem to find where my taxes went.

Don’t feel so guilty about being abroad. On the contrary you should feel angry that you had to leave your family to give them a decent life, and you’re an engineer. Half my high school classmates (we’re only 90 in an entire batch) are now abroad. Some do feel guilty about leaving but when I ask them why, the answer pretty much boils down to higher pay abroad, lower pay here… for the same job. It’s not your fault because it’s the way it is. Think about it. Oh, somebody is to blame but not the people who choose the higher pay. Blaming yourself is like blaming your eyes for seeing or your ears from hearing.