Canada to invest on women's health in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday announced that Canada will be investing $17.8 million to the sexual health and empowerment project for women in the Philippines.

The investment, which would be provided over the next five years, would benefit more than 85,000 women and girls living in poor and remote regions in the country.

"When we invest in women and girls, we help entire families, communities and societies succeed," Trudeau said in a press conference in Manila.

The project, which will be implemented by Oxfam International, would improve the access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services for women in the Philippines.

"Only with the full participation of all citizens can countries reach their full potential," the Canadian leader said.

During his visit to Manila, Trudeau also went to Canada-funded Likhaan Center for Women's Health.

The non-governmental organization aims to reduce maternal deaths in the country. Likhaan has put up three new clinics around Manila to support mothers and newborns.

Trudeau stressed his government's feminist foreign policy as he engages with his counterparts from Southeast Asia.

Canada's feminist foreign policy would benefit about 16,000 women and 6,400 children in the region, according to Trudeau.

The Canadian leader attended the ASEAN-Canada 40th anniversary commemorative summit at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

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