Engaging diaspora communities in development: An investigation of Filipino hometown associations in Canada

The study examines the potential role that donor agencies may have in facilitating the flow of group donations called collective remittances among migrant organisations, which fund development projects in their home communities. It focuses on Filipino hometown associations (HTAs) in Canada and the barriers that prevent then1 from sending resources to the Philippines regularly. The study draws information from three sources: a literature review of diaspora philanthropy, a survey of Filipino HTAs and interviews of stakeholders. The analysis reveals that high transaction costs are the major factor contributing to the sporadic exchanges of resources. Transaction costs occur due to limited exchanges of information, which leads to greater risk and uncertainty for stakeholders at both the 'giving' and 'receiving' ends of the transaction. The study recommends that donor assistance should focus on capacity building to give stakeholders in the Philippines the opportunity to improve their communication and outreach strategies.