Canada and the Philippines

The first Canadian trade mission was established in the Philippines in 1949 in Manila. In 1972, this was upgraded to a full embassy. Today, the embassy in Manila has well over one hundred employees and offers trade, consular and immigration services, in addition to managing political, economic and development co-operation. In addition, Canada has a consulate in Cebu to respond to the needs of Canadian citizens and promote Canadian interests in the Visayas region. Honorary Consul Robert Lee was appointed as head of this consulate in 1999.

Trade links between Canada and the Philippines continue to grow steadily. There is roughly CAD $1.5 billion in two way trade between our countries every year. The Philippines has become Canada's largest agri-food export market in Southeast Asia. The huge imbalance in the Philippines' favour means that jobs are being created in the Philippines, and Canadians are getting goods they want at competitive prices. Free trade benefits everyone.

The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) began work in the Philippines on a small scale in the mid-1970s, supporting agricultural cooperatives and non-governmental organizations involved in community-based development. Since then, Canada has provided over CAD $500 million in official development assistance. CIDA's current annual disbursement is approximately CAD $25 million, focusing on responsible governance and small and medium enterprise development. More than 60% of CIDA's program targets Mindanao, one of the poorest regions of the country.

At present, there are nearly 400,000 Canadians of Filipino origin. They are among Canada's most active citizens, deeply involved in the economic, social and cultural activities of the country. Their knowledge, skills and investment in Canada contribute to its success, and their language, culture and history add to its rich multicultural fabric. In addition to these Canadians of Filipino origin, there are an estimated 7,500 Canadians residing here in the Philippines. Many of them are professionals and experts that contribute to scientific, technological, and administrative development each day in the Philippines.

Canada and the Philippines are strong partners on the international stage. Both countries provide strong support to the international coalition fighting terrorism, and work side by side at the UN to promote greater human security and freedom from fear for populations around the globe. In addition to the United Nations, both Canada and the Philippines are active participants in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Here in the Philippines, the embassy works towards common Canadian-Philippine goals including building a stronger Philippines, continuing the fight against terrorism and making the world a safer place for all. These are done through partnering with the Philippine government, international organisations, other embassies and local NGOs.