1. Key Social, Political and Economic Issues in the Philippines: for Consideration by Migrant Donors Fernando T. Aldaba Ateneo de Manila University 2nd National Conference on Filipino Migrant Philanthropy August 1 and 2, 2007

2. Outline of Presentation Key Economic, Political and Social Issues Initiatives to Address Some Issues Priority Issues Issues Spawning Labor Migration Possible Donee Institutions Caveats and Recommendations to Donors

3. Two Faces of the Economy Some “positive” indicators – fiscal deficit managed, financial markets booming, low inflation, increasing FDI & remittances and continuous economic growth But “negative” signs - unemployment/ underemployment, self-rated poverty, hunger and falling local investments “An Economy of Contradictions”…... Ciel Habito, Former Director General of NEDA

4. The Flaws of our Political System Continued graft and corruption in key agencies Lack of transparency and accountability in governance Regulatory capture – agencies captured by vested interests The weakness of the electoral processes – prone to cheating and manipulation of results

5. The Flaws of our Political System Dynasties and traditional politics Armed conflict Worsening human rights situation, particularly extra-judicial killings of journalists and activists of the left Apathy or withdrawal from political engagement especially at the national level

6. Social Problems and Issues Poverty and inequality Hunger and malnutrition Deteriorating educational system High population growth rates and poor health indicators

7. Social Problems and Issues Lack of shelter and housing especially in urban areas Lack of access to water and sanitation Increasing vulnerability to natural, man made disasters and other social risks

8. Eight Major Social Risks Unemployment and underemployment (11.5 million people affected) Vulnerability due to large family size (3.95 million HH with > 5 members) Food insecurity (29-34% food poverty incidence; 3.4 million HH hungry – SWS, 70% of all HH food insecure –NNS, 2003) Vulnerability to armed conflict (2 million displaced, 2000-2006 in Mindanao)

9. Eight Major Social Risks Vulnerability to natural disasters (7.9. million affected, 2006) Lack of shelter and housing (1.4 million squatters; only 66.5% of HH with secure tenure) Lack of access to clean water and sanitation (16 million people have no access to clean water) Health and illness :13 million have hypertension (RP Society of Hypertension, 2004) ; 88.2 deaths (heart diseases) 62.3 (vascular system) 48.8 (malignant neo-plasm) per 100,000 (WHO 2002)

10. Economic Interventions Transforming remittances into investments to sustain economic growth – Financial Literacy Initiatives (e.g. ERCOF, PCPS-EPRA, BSP) Broadening the benefits of economic growth – Greater access to credit by MFIs and SMEs (e.g. CARD, Negros Womens’ Foundation)

11. Economic Interventions “Decentralizing” economic growth – support for local infrastructure and local investments (e.g. Local Bonds, ERCOF) Economic reforms to sustain and democratize economic growth (e.g. Action for Economic Reforms, CODE-NGO)

12. Political Initiatives Electoral reforms – support for party list groups (e.g. OFW based parties), election watchdogs (e.g. NAMFREL, PPCRV, LENTE) Advocacy for human rights – support for HR groups (e.g.PAHRA, Karapatan)

13. Political Initiatives Advocacy for Peace and Development (e.g. Mindanao peaceweavers, GZO-PI) Anti-corruption Advocacy – e.g. Transparency and Accountability Network, Procurement watch, G-Watch, CCAGG, Ehem Project)

14. Social Interventions Support for community based poverty programs and various livelihood projects – KALAHI CIDSS of DSWD, MFIs, cooperatives Support for hunger mitigation programs – NGOs and religious sectors, DSWD and DEPED Support for educational reform – Adopt A School, Philippine Business for Education

15. Social Interventions Support for reproductive health programs - PNGOC, PCPD and various women’s groups Support for disaster preparedness; relief and rehabilitation programs – CNDR, DSWD Support for community based housing programs e.g. CMP, Gawad Kalinga, Habitat

16. Priority Issues Children’s health and nutrition Basic primary education Reproductive health programs Local infrastructure and investments

17. Priority Issues Community based poverty reduction programs Access to credit by micro and small enterprises Disaster risk mitigation Advocacies for good governance

18. Key Issues Spawning Migration Unemployment and underemployment Poverty and inequality Weak governance and corruption Political instability Armed conflicts Natural disasters Deteriorating educational systems

19. Institutions to be supported Members of Development NGO Networks and Foundations (e.g. CODE-NGO, PNGOC, Association of Foundations) Micro-finance institutions and cooperatives People’s organizations and community associations

20. Institutions to be supported Religious organizations Progressive LGUs Government agencies doing work with communities (e.g. DSWD)

21. Caveats in donating funds Look at track record; check with credible personalities, networks or peer organizations (e.g. CODE-NGO, PCNC) Are there good governance systems in place? Are staff and personnel capable in delivering projects

22. Caveats in donating funds Are there successful projects and programs? Are there written evaluation and assessments from independent parties Will you be able to see the programs in the field?

23. Recommendations Organize into groups clarifying mission, objectives, targets, outcomes and impacts of donation Link with groups you trust in terms of selecting and monitoring institutions, programs and projects to fund

24. Recommendations Establish mechanisms to effectively select and monitor good institutions, programs and projects Always be updated on the current situation and needs of the country (especially target areas and regions)