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Canada’s Commitment
Results
Country Profile
Canada’s Commitment
Canada’s assistance to the Philippines began in earnest in 1986 following the People Power Revolution, which brought down the government of Ferdinand Marcos, and the subsequent election of Corazon Aquino as President. A commitment to substantially increase Canadian assistance was made in order to support the new government’s reform efforts and the restoration of democracy. CIDA’s bilateral program has evolved over the years, from focusing on the democratic process immediately following the People Power Revolution, to more broadly supporting responsible governance and private sector development. Since 1986–1987, CIDA has contributed approximately $600 million in aid to the Philippines.
Canada is currently contributing to poverty reduction in the Philippines through equitable, sustainable development. The objectives of CIDA’s strategy in the Philippines are to:
- foster efficient, responsive, transparent and accountable governance at all levels; and
- support the development of sustainable small and medium-sized enterprises that create more, better, and decent jobs for both men and women.
This strategy is closely aligned with the Government of the Philippines’ Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (2004–2010).
 Results
Technical assistance to local governments has helped improve the delivery of services to the poor. In addition, greater participation by local communities in setting development plans in areas such as investment, taxation, and social services has increased local government accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the poor. CIDA’s assistance has also helped the Government of the Philippines address corruption at the national level through projects that have increased transparency and efficiency in areas that include government procurement and tax collection. Support given to small and medium-sized enterprises by providing business advice and market information and the strengthening of business-service organizations has helped create many business opportunities and jobs in the Philippines. In addition, CIDA has helped women increase their participation in decision-making, exercise their rights, and reduce inequalities in their access to, and control over, resources. Support to the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women has helped make this institution a regional model of national women’s machinery to promote gender equality.
Country Profile
The Philippines is a functioning democracy with a vibrant civil society and an English-speaking, educated workforce, and is rich in natural resources. However, extreme gaps in income, a high population growth rate, and high unemployment leave large numbers of people in poverty. Weaknesses in governance, including corruption, limit the government’s ability to respond to the needs of the poor and to protect the environment. Conflicts related to Muslim secessionist movements and the communist National People’s Army also present a barrier to development in some of the poorest provinces. The Philippine economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience to external developments and internal weaknesses over the last decade. Economic growth has remained generally positive, although slow and uneven. Government investment is constrained by a large public sector deficit and increasing public debt. Improving the environment for domestic and foreign private investment is necessary to allow the private sector to drive growth.
The Philippines continues to work to reform its economy and reduce poverty, and increase access to basic services for its people. In view of trends affecting the world economy and the evolving security environment in Asia, CIDA will support this work, building upon its many partnerships and linkages with the people of the Philippines.
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