President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., accompanied by the First Lady and key Cabinet members, departed Tuesday for a landmark four-day official visit to Canada from July 1 to 4. Undertaken at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the trip marks the first visit by a Philippine Head of State to Canada in over a decade.
In his departure statement, President Marcos emphasized that the visit aims to capitalize on the “unprecedented momentum” in bilateral relations, focusing on strategic cooperation in economic development, defense, agriculture, and investment.
A central pillar of the visit is reinforcing security alliances. President Marcos expressed deep appreciation for Canada’s unwavering support regarding the West Philippine Sea, noting that Ottawa has been a steadfast ally in upholding the rules-based international order.
“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,” President Marcos stated, affirming both nations’ commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
During the visit, President Marcos will hold a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Carney, followed by expanded bilateral delegation talks. The leaders are expected to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive Bilateral Plan of Action to guide the next phase of the Philippines-Canada partnership.
Key economic objectives include engaging Canadian business leaders to secure high-value investments across several priority sectors:
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Critical Resources & Energy: Advanced collaboration in mining, critical minerals, renewable energy, and nuclear energy.
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Technology & Infrastructure: Expanding partnerships in IT-Business Process Management (IT-BPM), telecommunications, and cyber technology.
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Services & Tourism: Boosting bilateral commerce, financial services, culture, and tourism.
As the current ASEAN Chair, President Marcos also intends to champion regional priorities, including food and energy security, maritime cooperation, and the protection of Southeast Asian nationals, while addressing geopolitical developments in the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East.
The President’s itinerary includes a stop in British Columbia to meet with members of the vibrant Filipino-Canadian community, which now numbers nearly one million.
“They are well-respected and sought after for their skills, professionalism, and dedication,” President Marcos said, praising them as excellent ambassadors who continue to contribute to the Philippines’ economic development and democratic strength despite the distance.
The administration views this diplomatic mission as a vital opportunity to maximize national interests and secure a more prosperous, secure future through deep-rooted international friendships.
