MANILA, Philippines?Senator Edgardo Angara is urging Filipino scholars abroad to return to the Philippines and share what they learned to help improve the country?s academic and industrial sectors.

At the same time, he called on the national government to help local agencies involved in education to provide ?venues where they can put their expertise to good use? in the Philippines.

Angara, who heads the Congressional Committee on Science, Technology and Engineering (COMSTE), expressed concern that Filipino scholars abroad do not return to the country after completing overseas studies.

Bringing in more Filipino experts in research and development fields, including in information technology, will enhance the country?s scientific infrastructure.

Angara is promoting for local universities, the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Science and Technology to build partnerships with foreign schools for exchange student and scholarship programs.

In particular, he said partnerships with developed countries like Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong should help augment these programs.

Just recently, Angara signed a memorandum of agreement with Taiwan to send 75 engineering degree holders and 25 doctorate degree holders to study and be trained in Taiwanese universities.

"Let's make our students abroad feel they have the support and commitment of the government,? he said.

?Upon completion of their studies, we must provide them venues where they can put their expertise to good use, making sure that we adequately compensate their educational qualifications and international experience," Angara added.