The MAPID Project  

The full title of the project is “Capacity Building of Migrants’ Associations in Italy and Spain and Government Institutions in the Philippines to Promote Development.” The short title of the project is Migrants’ Associations and Philippine Institutions for Development (MAPID). It is co-financed by the European Union through the Aeneas Programme (Financial and technical assistance to third countries in the field of migration and asylum), Contract No. MIG R/2007/130-548(11).

Project Objectives  

The overall objectives are: · to advance the understanding of the migration-development nexus by two important stakeholders: migrants' associations and Philippine institutions; and · to promote cooperation for development between migrants’ associations and national and local institutions in the Philippines. The specific objective is to build the capacity and partnership between migrants' associations in Italy and Spain, and key national and local Philippine institutions in promoting development in the home country.

Major Activities

The major activities of the project are divided into three phases, which will be implemented over three years, starting from 2008, in three countries: the Philippines, Italy and Spain.  

Research

The research phase was undertaken in 2008. In Italy and Spain, the research dealt with migrants’ associations and the experience of Filipino migrants in these destinations; in the Philippines, the research focused on policies and good practices that promote the development potentials of migration, documentation of diaspora-supported projects, and mapping of partnerships between overseas Filipinos and Philippines-based institutions.  Findings from the research are expected to contribute to the design of the training programs and materials, and in the formulation of policies and programs.  

Capacity-Building

Capacity-building will involve the development of training materials and the implementation of a training program for leaders and active members of migrants’ associations in Italy and Spain; the program aims to strengthen the capacities and potentials of migrants’ associations as agents of change vis-à-vis their host and home countries. In the Philippines, the training program is targeted at policymakers and key officers/staff involved in migration and/or development. The program in the Philippines hopes to foster better understanding of the migration-development nexus, and to promote meaningful partnerships with overseas Filipinos. The training programs will be carried out in 2009.   

Dissemination

The dissemination of the research and training outcomes of the project will be conducted in 2010.  A final report, feature stories and policy briefs will be produced. In the three sites a dissemination workshop will involve representatives from government, migrants’ associations, NGOs and civil society, and international organizations.

Partner Institutions  

Fondazione ISMU

The Fondazione per le Iniziative e gli Studi sulla Multietnicità (ISMU) is an institution with a long experience in research on migration. It also conducts training programs, seminars, and conferences. ISMU has an extensive network with various institutions worldwide.   Via Copernico, 1- 20125 Milan, Italy Tel: (39)-02-67877920 Fax: (39)-02-67877979 www.ismu.org    

University of Valencia

The University of Valencia (UV) has more than 20 years of experience in  research on migration-related issues and international cooperation. It offers a Masters Program in International Migration (MIM) and a PhD Program in Human Mobility .   Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 13 - 46010 Valencia, Spain Tel: 00-34-616154385 Fax: 00-34-963864669 www.uv.es/mim/    

Commission on Filipinos Overseas

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO)  is a government agency under the Office of the President, which is  mandated to promote the interests of Filipino immigrants and permanent residents overseas. Among others, CFO promotes closer ties between overseas Filipinos and the Philippines.   1345 Quirino Avenue - 1007 Manila, Philippines Tel: (632) 561-8329 Fax: (632) 561-8332 www.cfo.gov.ph