Thirteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

The main question the paper poses is: How do migrants, in this case overseas Filipinos, participate in national development and political processes through diaspora philanthropy and overseas voting? More specifically, what is the policy framework that enable overseas Filipinos to participate in Philippine elections; what are the forms of diaspora philanthropy among overseas Filipinos? In what development areas do they contribute?; and what is the role of government, migrant organizations, and other key actors in fostering links of overseas Filipinos to their country of origin? Documentary analysis of laws and program materials are made to ascertain existing initiatives for overseas Filipinos. Reports from government and non-government migrant organizations on the conduct and results of overseas voting in the 2010, 2013, and 2016 elections also are examined. Data on donations coursed through the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) program are evaluated to ascertain which areas overseas Filipinos have contributed to. Interviews are conducted among key informants in government agencies and migrant organizations to determine their roles. The paper provides insights to decision-makers in various levels (e.g., government, migrant organizations, local government units) on how to harness resource inputs of migrants to promote civic and political participation in national development.