OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION BETWEEN DENMARK AND THE PHILIPPINES: THE CASE OF THE PASIG RIVER REHABILITATION
Author
Mikkelsen, Kristian Paul Presto
Term
4. term
Publication year
2019
Submitted on
2019-10-15
Pages
51
Abstract
This thesis examines why Denmark’s aid agency, Danida, funded a project in the Philippines by using the Pasig River Rehabilitation Program (PRRP) as a case study. Grounded in development cooperation theory, it applies four models—the power-political, political stability and democracy, development and performance, and economic-commercial frameworks—and links stakeholder interviews with quantitative and qualitative literature to connect theory and practice. The analysis identifies four main drivers of Danish official development assistance to the Philippines: strengthening soft power through longstanding diplomatic, historical, and economic ties; supporting partners that uphold political stability and democratic norms; addressing environmental challenges, including climate change, through technical assistance for greener projects; and advancing Danish private-sector interests in water and environmental industries. Overall, the PRRP case shows that Danida’s engagement was shaped by cultural, political, and economic considerations with potential benefits for both Denmark and the Philippines.
Dette speciale undersøger, hvorfor Danida finansierede et projekt i Filippinerne med Pasig River Rehabilitation Program (PRRP) som casestudie. Med udgangspunkt i udviklingssamarbejdsteori anvendes fire modeller – den magt-politiske, modellen for politisk stabilitet og demokrati, udviklings- og performancemodellen samt den økonomisk-kommercielle model – og der kobles interessentinterviews med kvantitativ og kvalitativ litteratur for at forbinde teori og praksis. Analysen identificerer fire hovedårsager til dansk officiel udviklingsbistand til Filippinerne: styrkelse af soft power gennem langvarige diplomatiske, historiske og økonomiske bånd; støtte til partnere, der efterlever politisk stabilitet og demokratiske normer; håndtering af miljøudfordringer, herunder klimaforandringer, via teknisk bistand til mere miljøvenlige projekter; samt fremme af danske private sektorinteresser inden for vand- og miljøindustrier. Samlet set viser PRRP-casen, at Danidas engagement blev formet af kulturelle, politiske og økonomiske hensyn med potentielle gevinster for både Danmark og Filippinerne.
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