The Philippines and Canada have reaffirmed their commitment to significantly deepen bilateral development cooperation, culminating in an agreement to formalize their partnership under a Letter of Understanding on Bilateral Development Assistance.
The commitment was underscored during a high-level meeting on Wednesday, November 12, between Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) and Canadian Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai at the DEPDev Office in Mandaluyong City.
The discussions highlighted the strong alignment between Canada’s development priorities and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, which aims for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth. Canada is currently ranked as the 14th top bilateral development partner of the Philippines, providing ongoing support through grants to national agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector across vital areas.
“Canada’s development cooperation has been instrumental in advancing the Philippines’ goals for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth,” said Secretary Balisacan. “Their support, channeled through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development, will be invaluable as we focus on critical sectors aimed at achieving long-term sustainability and inclusive growth for all Filipinos.”
Secretary of State Sarai emphasized the enduring nature of the relationship. “Canada stands alongside the Filipino people as partners in building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. We are committed in our partnership to strengthening disaster preparedness, enhancing health systems, advancing climate adaptation, and unlocking economic opportunities that benefit both our countries,” he stated.
During the meeting, the officials agreed to formalize the framework for collaboration through a Letter of Understanding (LOU) on Bilateral Development Assistance. This framework will guide future programs, implemented by CSOs, the private sector, and multilateral organizations, that promote long-term sustainability, resilience, and inclusive growth. DEPDev and the Department of Finance (DOF) will serve as co-signatories for the Philippine government.
“This Letter of Understanding is aligned with the priorities and strategies we have laid out in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. It is a direct response to our shared aspiration for an economic and social transformation that is truly inclusive, resilient, and sustainable,” Balisacan added.
The deepening partnership is further reflected in the two nations’ role as co-chairs of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP) for 2025–2028. Launched in June 2025, the SEARP focuses on promoting resilient and inclusive growth in the region through investments in connectivity, sustainable infrastructure, digitalization, innovation, and support for Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
“We look forward to deepening our partnership with Canada, particularly in advancing the OECD SEARP agenda and strengthening our joint work toward a sustainable, equitable, and innovation-driven region,” Balisacan concluded.
