PH, Canada strengthen development cooperation framework

The Philippines and Canada reaffirmed their commitment to advancing bilateral development cooperation during a high-level meeting on Nov. 12 at the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) office in Mandaluyong City.

The meeting was led by DEPDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan and Canadian Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai, who emphasized the alignment of Canada’s development priorities with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028.

Balisacan thanked Canada for its continued support, noting its contributions through development grants to national government agencies, civil society organizations, and private sector partners.

“Canada’s development cooperation has been instrumental in advancing the Philippines’ goals for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth,” Balisacan said. “Their support, channeled through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development, will be invaluable as we focus on critical sectors aimed at achieving long-term sustainability and inclusive growth for all Filipinos.”

Discussions focused on Canada’s assistance portfolio and mutual priorities in trade and investment, as both countries reiterated plans to formalize their partnership through a Letter of Understanding on Bilateral Development Assistance.

“This Letter of Understanding is aligned with the priorities and strategies we have laid out in the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028,” Balisacan said. “It is a direct response to our shared aspiration for an economic and social transformation that is truly inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.”

DEPDev and the Department of Finance (DOF) will serve as co-signatories on behalf of the Philippine government.

As of September 2025, Canada ranks as the Philippines’ 14th largest bilateral development partner, supporting priority sectors such as health, climate change adaptation, and good governance.

“Canada stands alongside the Filipino people as partners in building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future,” Sarai said. “We are committed in our partnership to strengthening disaster preparedness and unlocking economic opportunities that benefit both our countries.”

In June 2025, the Philippines and Canada jointly assumed co-chairmanship of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP) for 2025–2028.

The SEARP initiative aims to promote resilient and inclusive growth in Southeast Asia by supporting sustainable infrastructure and connectivity, expanding digitalization and innovation, and strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Responsible Business Conduct (RBC).

“We look forward to deepening our partnership with Canada, particularly in advancing the OECD SEARP agenda and strengthening our joint work toward a sustainable, equitable, and innovation-driven region,” Balisacan said.

The new bilateral development framework is expected to guide future joint programs across sectors, implemented through CSOs, private partners, and multilateral institutions.