Canada provides $26 million aid for Philippines projects

MANILA, Philippines — Canada is giving $26 million in assistance to the Philippines for projects that will support community resilience, investment readiness and food logistics in the Luzon Economic Corridor.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement on Saturday, which will also support climate-resilient agriculture and the strengthening of nuclear regulatory capacity in the Philippines.

Carney underscored Canada’s commitment to supporting the Philippines’ long-term prosperity and resilience, as he met with President Marcos over the weekend.

Carney and Marcos highlighted the significant expansion of cooperation under the Canada-Philippines Strategic Partnership across trade, development, energy and people-to-people ties.

With bilateral merchandise trade reaching $3.4 billion in 2025, the leaders welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations for a Canada-Philippines free trade agreement, just one year after they announced its launch.

Both countries are now working toward the agreement’s signature in 2027. Once in force, this agreement could increase exports up to three times by 2035.

The leaders also emphasized efforts to advance defense and security cooperation, including the implementation of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement.

New joint measures to improve information sharing and strengthen border and cybersecurity were also outlined, including the launch of a new cybersecurity dialogue, increased military cooperation through biannual military-to-military talks and steps toward agreements on customs cooperation and the protection of sensitive information.

Marcos and Carney exchanged views on regional issues and reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific. They agreed to continue advancing cooperation on shared priorities, including economic growth, security, infrastructure development and food security.

Satellite surveillance cooperation

Canada also announced the extension of its Dark Vessel Detection Program in the Philippines that is expected to heighten the country’s maritime domain awareness and unreported fishing within its waters.

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor Chan Gonzaga said the extension shows the strong partnership between the Philippines and Canada in combatting illegal unreported and unregulated fishing activities.

Canada signed in 2023 a five-year agreement with the Philippines to provide its Dark Vessel Detection system.