President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departed for Canada on Wednesday evening for a four-day official visit to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, energy and regional security, and to seek greater Canadian engagement in the Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asia.
Speaking before his departure at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Marcos described Canada as a “longstanding friend and partner” whose support for the Philippines has become increasingly significant amid evolving geopolitical and economic challenges.
Marcos said his visit, which will run from July 1-4 in Vancouver, is a first by a Philippine President in a decade.
He noted that the Philippines and Canada have built “an unprecedented momentum” in bilateral relations in recent years, citing cooperation in defense, trade, agriculture, education and people-to-people exchanges.
“It may not be known to many, but Canada has been consistent and steadfast in its statements of support for the Philippines’ assertion of its sovereignty and sovereign rights, especially in the midst of the ongoing issues we are facing in the West Philippine Sea,” Marcos said.
He noted that Canada’s support for the Philippines’ position on the West Philippine Sea reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to a rules-based international order anchored on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling.
The President said his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will focus on expanding cooperation in strategic sectors, including mining, critical minerals, renewable energy, nuclear energy, information technology-business process management (IT-BPM), telecommunications, cybersecurity and financial services.
He said they are also expected to craft the framework for a bilateral plan of action that would guide future cooperation.
Trade, defense cooperation
Marcos highlighted recent milestones in Philippines-Canada relations, including the launch of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement, alongside ongoing negotiations for an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement.
He also noted the recent entry of Philippine mangoes into the Canadian market, signing of a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation in 2024, conclusion of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement in 2025 and the inaugural Philippines-Canada Maritime Dialogue held earlier this year.
The President said he would encourage Canada to assume a more active role in the Indo-Pacific and support regional efforts to address the effects of the ongoing Middle East crisis.
“I will also invite Canada to play a more proactive role while the region addresses the impact of the situation in the Middle East,” he said.
Marcos added that he would discuss the Philippines’ priorities as this year’s ASEAN Chair, particularly on energy and food security, maritime cooperation and the protection of ASEAN nationals.
Filipino community
The President is also expected to meet with members of the Filipino community in Canada, which he described as one of the country’s strongest assets abroad.
Marcos said there are around 1 million Filipinos in Canada who are “well-respected and sought after for their skills, professionalism, and dedication.”
“Dito sa Pilipinas, patuloy silang nakikilahok sa pagpapaunlad ng ating ekonomiya at pagpapatatag ng ating demokrasya, sa kabila ng ilang taong pagkakawalay sa bayan (Here in the Philippines, they continue to contribute to the development of our economy and the strengthening of our democracy despite years of living away from the country),” he said.
Malacañang said Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III and Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino will serve as members of the government’s caretaker committee while the President is in Canada from July 1 to 4. (PNA)
