By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Canada has announced $26 million in investments for the Philippines, alongside three new commercial agreements covering drone technology, renewable energy and ocean technology, as the two countries move to deepen economic and strategic cooperation.
The announcement came during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s November 14 bilateral visit to Manila, where he met President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the sidelines of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
The investment package will support cooperation in nuclear security and safety, climate-resilient agriculture, community resilience, food security and infrastructure, including projects connected to the G7-supported Luzon Economic Corridor.
Three commercial agreements were also unveiled.
The first is a memorandum of understanding involving Ocean Supercluster, the Makati Business Club and the University of the Philippines Visayas to advance collaboration in ocean technology development.
The second, between Canadian drone company Draganfly Inc. and the Razon Group, seeks to bring Canadian drone technology, training, infrastructure development and investment into the Philippines. The partnership is intended to support maritime and port operations, critical infrastructure protection and disaster response.
The third agreement, between JCM Power and the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone Authority, will support renewable energy investments intended to supply manufacturers, industrial facilities and data centers.
Carney also announced the extension of Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection program until 2033, using satellite technology to help identify and monitor vessels suspected of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
The announcements add concrete investment, technology and maritime cooperation initiatives to the growing partnership between Manila and Ottawa.
The Canadian government said the two countries have also concluded negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement.
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