Iloilo eyes Canada tie-up to scale up agri-food industry

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Province of Iloilo is exploring potential agricultural investments with Canada after Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. met on Feb. 25 with Canadian trade representatives during the ASEAN economic meetings in the city.

Defensor met over lunch with Canadian Senior Trade Commissioner Janine Fiddler and Trade Commissioner Dodjie Fabian of the Embassy of Canada to discuss scaling up the province’s agri-food industry.

The governor highlighted Iloilo’s strength as an agricultural province and emphasized the need to attract investments in value chain development and food processing.

Fiddler responded positively and conveyed her willingness to link the provincial government with Canadian investors engaged in agricultural development.

Beyond agri-food, both parties discussed potential collaboration in digital health, business process outsourcing, smart city initiatives and solid waste management.

The meeting also underscored longstanding ties between Canada and the Philippines.

Fiddler noted the strong Filipino community in Canada, particularly in Winnipeg, while Defensor shared that he has relatives living there.

The Canadian official also cited the growing Filipino presence across Canada, including 27 Jollibee branches nationwide.

Both sides also explored the possibility of forging a sisterhood agreement as a way to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Canada is home to one of the largest Filipino diaspora communities in the world, with over 900,000 Filipinos residing in the country. The Philippines is also among Canada’s top trading partners in Southeast Asia.

In a separate briefing, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said part of the ASEAN discussions includes efforts to strengthen economic ties with Canada.

He expressed hope that the proposed ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement could be concluded within the year, which he said would open an additional market for Filipino exporters.

Defensor was accompanied by Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Dennis Ventilacion, Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Center Chief Aulynn Yue Sin, Provincial Planning and Development Office Acting Head Jigger Labergue, Provincial Population Officer and Head Executive Assistant to the Governor Atty. Ruel Von Superio, LEDIP Development Management Officer II IJ M. Salcedo, and Protocol Officer Mary Ann Ybañez.