Summary of the FY 2019 MOFA ODA Evaluations
Evaluation of Japan's ODA to the Republic of the Philippines (Summary)
Note: This summary was made by the ODA Evaluation Division base d on the r eport provided by the evaluation team.
The full text is available here:
| Evaluators (Evaluation Team) |
Chief Evaluator | Juichi Inada Professor, School of Economics, Senshu University |
| Advisor | Masako Ishii
Professor, College of Intercultural Communication, Rikkyo University |
|
| Consultant | NTC International Co., Ltd. | |
| Target Period | FY 2014–FY 2018 | |
| Evaluation Period | Jul. 2019–Feb. 2020 | |
| Field Survey Country | The Republic of the Philippines | |
A bridge being constructed by a Japanese company under a yen loan
Background, Objectives and Scope of the Evaluation
Given the country's geopolitical importance, the fundamental values and strategic interests that it shares with Japan, and its role as an important economic base for Japan, the sustainable development of the Philippines is important from the viewpoint of contributing to the stability and development of the East Asian region. The main objectives of this evaluation are to assess Japan's development cooperation policy toward the Philippines over the past five years (FY 2014–FY 2018) and to gain recommendations and lessons for the planning and implementation of future development cooperation policies while ensuring accountability to the public.
Brief Summary of Evaluation Results
● Development Viewpoints
(1) Relevance of Policies
Japan's development cooperation policy for the Philippines is consistent with its high-level ODA policies (e.g., the ODA Charter and the Development Cooperation Charter) as well as the Philippines' development plans and needs and international priorities. In addition, while Japan is providing assistance in a wide range of fields, it has demonstrated comparative advantages particularly in the fields of transportation and traffic, disaster prevention, and assistance to Mindanao. (Rating: Highly Satisfactory )
(2) Effectiveness of Results
Japan is the largest ODA donor to the Philippines, and it has made a major contribution in terms of value spent on development cooperation. It has steadily provided assistance to tackle issues under the Country Development Cooperation Policy for the Philippines, thereby helping to strengthen the foundation for the country's sustainable economic growth, its human security for inclusive growth, and its development to support peace in Mindanao. (Rating: Highly Satisfactory )
(3) Appropriateness of Processes
Japan's development cooperation policy for the Philippines was formulated through generally appropriate processes. In addition, during the implementation stage, generally appropriate processes were confirmed for the following: development and operation of the basic implementation structure; identification of needs; implementation of individual projects based on priority assistance areas for the Philippines; monitoring of the implementation status; conducting of evaluations to verify effectiveness; employment of public relations; coordination and cooperation with other development actors; and consideration of social characteristics and ethnic minorities. However, some issues were identified with regard to support for disaster recovery and reconstruction. Some improvements were also necessary to facilitate easy-to-understand public relations. (Rating: Satisfactory ）
Note: Ratings: Highly Satisfactory / Satisfactory / Partially Unsatisfactory / Unsatisfactory
● Diplomatic Viewpoints
(1) Diplomatic Importance
The bilateral relationship between Japan and the Philippines is very positive and strong, owing to their shared fundamental values and strategic interests and their close economic ties. In addition to the release of the "Japan-Philippines Joint Declaration: A Strengthened Strategic Partnership for Advancing the Shared Principles and Goals of Peace, Security, and Growth in the Region and Beyond" and the "Action Plan for Strengthening of the Strategic Partnership," the Japan-Philippines High Level Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation has held around three sessions a year, with high-level officials from both countries participating in the negotiations.
Furthermore, the Japanese government maintains that peace and stability in Mindanao contribute to the peace and prosperity of the entire Asian region. From these perspectives, Japan's assistance to the Philippines is considered to be diplomatically important.
(2) Diplomatic Impact
Japan's ODA to the Philippines contributes to the realization of human security as well as maritime safety and peace in Mindanao, which in turn contributes to the security and stability of the entire East Asian region. Through the development of economic infrastructure, Japan's ODA to the Philippines is also instrumental in ensuring that the economic activities of Japanese companies remain stable. In addition, the general public in the Philippines has confidence in the Japanese brand in the field of infrastructure development. Japan's assistance has also been fairly well recognized through media coverage and the presentation of awards. As Japan's ODA encourages the Philippines to rate Japan highly, its diplomatic impact can be identified in relation to the building of better bilateral relations.
Recommendations
(1) Greater Emphasis on Assistance that Utilizes Japanese Technologies and Collaborations with the Private Sector in Infrastructure Development
Once the Philippines reaches the status of a more developed country, it is expected to cease being a recipient of yen loans that are provided on the condition that they are used to acquire Japanese technologies under the Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP) framework. However, there are strong calls from the Philippines for assistance that utilizes Japanese technologies, and efforts need to be made to meet these requests. Greater emphasis should be placed on future projects conducted in collaboration with the private sector through joint financing with other donors and overseas investments and loans.
(2) Strengthening of Assistance for Local Development Aimed at Inclusive Growth
As regional disparities continue to widen, it is necessary to further promote the creation and implementation of infrastructure projects in rural areas. To achieve more inclusive growth, greater emphasis should be placed on supporting the health, agriculture and education sectors in rural areas to correct regional disparities and reduce poverty.
(3) Strengthening of Assistance Aimed at Delivering the Dividends of Peace in Mindanao
Assistance to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), which was established in February 2019, should be strengthened so that those concerned—including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), local governments, Christians and indigenous people—can enjoy the dividends of peace. Utilizing local organizations and human resources, this assistance should be provided based on the trust forged with those concerned in the Philippines and in consideration of the various security challenges.
(4) Increased Attention to the Social Impact of Resident Resettlement and Community Development
For projects that have a social impact (e.g., resettlement of residents for infrastructure development, provision of livelihood support for reconstruction, and community development for peacebuilding), more meticulous preliminary impact analysis should be conducted by local researchers, experts in sociology and social research (including those from research institutions), regional researchers, and other such parties.
(5) Clarification of the Future Positioning of Assistance for the Maritime Safety Sector
Technical assistance to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been provided and gradually strengthened over the past 17 years, thereby contributing to the enhancement of the PCG's maritime safety capabilities. If the provision of this assistance is to continue, careful consideration should be given to decide what specific assistance will be required in the next phase. Possible options include assistance in the development of human resources for maritime law enforcement, the strengthening of cooperation with the US Coast Guard, and further enhancement of the operational and maintenance capabilities of the patrol boats provided to the Philippines through yen loans.
(6) Promotion of Information Disclosure in Relation to Projects for Economic and Social Development Plans and Grant Assistance for Grassroots and Human Security
Since information disclosure on projects for economic and social development plans in the Philippines and other partner countries is not sufficient, more detailed information on the content of the assistance (e.g., items and quantities provided and recipients) should be disclosed through the MOFA website and other such platforms. In addition, more detailed information should be widely disclosed concerning the content of grant assistance for grassroots and human security, not just the dates for the conclusion of contracts, the names of the projects, and the amounts of assistance that have already been posted on the website of MOFA.