The twin developments come at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty — from tensions in the South China Sea affecting the Philippines’ security outlook to shifting economic alignments in North America that are prompting Canada to diversify its trade and strategic partnerships.

Against this backdrop, Manila and Ottawa are moving to strengthen both defense coordination and economic integration as part of a broader effort to reinforce a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

Undersecretary for Policy Leo M. Herrera-Lim, who led the Philippine delegation, pointed to the growing momentum in bilateral ties, citing the recently concluded visiting forces pact and progress in trade negotiations as key milestones.

“The Philippines considers Canada a credible, reliable, and principled partner, in supporting both our bilateral and collective efforts in promoting peace and security in the region,” he said.

“We share Canada’s enthusiasm in increasing and further exploring other areas of cooperation,” Undersecretary Herrera-Lim added.

Assistant Deputy Minister for Indo-Pacific Weldon Epp, who led the Canadian delegation, also underscored the importance of closer collaboration.

As vibrant democracies, he said, both countries’ values and interests are aligned, noting the need to work together to advance mutual priorities.

The SOVFA, concluded in November 2025, allows Canadian troops to train and participate in exercises in the Philippines and vice versa, placing Canada alongside existing Philippine defense partners such as the United States, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. The agreement is seen as a concrete step toward strengthening deterrence, enhancing disaster response coordination, and expanding maritime security cooperation.

The JCBC meeting also highlighted progress toward a bilateral free trade agreement — a move that reflects both countries’ interest in diversifying markets and building more resilient supply chains.

For Canada, expanding economic links with Southeast Asia aligns with its Indo-Pacific Strategy and efforts to reduce reliance on traditional trade partners.

For the Philippines, deeper access to Canadian markets supports its push to attract investments and position itself as a gateway to the region.

Delegates discussed expanding cooperation in energy security, critical minerals, and cybersecurity — areas that are increasingly strategic as global supply chains shift and countries seek trusted partners for resource development and digital infrastructure.

A relationship anchored in people and trade

Canada-Philippines relations have steadily broadened over the past decades, supported by strong people-to-people ties and growing economic exchanges.

Two-way merchandise trade reached roughly US$3.4 billion in 2023, with Philippine exports estimated at about US$2.2 billion and Canadian exports at around US$1.2 billion. Services trade has also been significant, valued at approximately C$2.6 billion in 2023, making the Philippines Canada’s second most important export market in ASEAN.

Canadian firms continue to maintain a presence in Philippine economic zones, employing thousands of workers in sectors such as electronics, IT-BPM, and manufacturing.

Canada has also committed more than C$76 million in development funding for projects in climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and inclusive growth.

Since 1986, Ottawa has provided over C$1 billion in official development assistance to the Philippines, supporting governance programs, climate-smart agriculture, public health, and peace-building initiatives, particularly in the Bangsamoro region.

Beyond trade and development, the relationship is reinforced by migration and education links. Canada hosts a large and growing Filipino community, estimated at close to one million people, while tens of thousands of Filipinos study in Canadian institutions each year.

Responding to an evolving global landscape

Both sides acknowledged the rapidly changing international environment and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law, freedom of navigation, and stability in the Indo-Pacific — issues that have taken on greater urgency amid tensions in the South China Sea.

The JCBC, created in 2012, serves as a platform to review progress and identify new areas of cooperation. At the latest meeting, officials from both countries also discussed collaboration in labor and migration, consular affairs, health, education, space, and indigenous peoples’ programs.

They also reaffirmed shared support for a rules-based international order and closer coordination as partners in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, APEC, and ASEAN-related mechanisms.

Other senior members of the Philippine delegation included DICT Undersecretary Julius Gorospe, DFA Office of American Affairs Assistant Secretary Raquel R. Solano, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga, DFA Maritime and Oceans Affairs Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Donato K. Guzman, DENR Assistant Secretary Noralene Uy, and DEPDev Assistant Secretary Jonathan Uy.

The Canadian delegation included Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman and Jason Tolland, Special Advisor to Global Affairs Canada for the Indo-Pacific.

In a news release issued upon his arrival at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, President Marcos said the strategic partnership between the Philippines and India brings an even stronger sense of optimism in bilateral relations that will foster progress and prosperity, and contribute to the peace and security in the broader Indo-Pacific region.

In terms of trade and investment, the President reported that the Philippines secured real investments of $446 million in 18 business agreements, and generated interest for potential investments of up to $5.798 billion.

These cover key sectors such as digital infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology-business process management (IT-BPM).

“The elevation of our bilateral ties signals our mutual recognition of the complementarity and alignment of our interests, not only in bilateral matters but also in many regional and international issues of critical importance to both our countries,” President Marcos said.

“As strategic partners, the Philippines and India enter a new era of closer, multidimensional, and impactful engagement between our countries and our peoples,” he added.

During the President’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Indian officials, the two governments signed cooperation agreements on judicial matters, space, science and technology, defense and security, culture, and tourism.

In his Foreign Policy Address delivered at the event hosted by Observer Research Foundation, President Marcos emphasized the shared aspirations for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region; security and rule of law; supply chain resilience; food security; and countering terrorism, and other traditional and non-traditional threats.

Real investments from the business deals are expected to generate 4,030 direct jobs, while potential investments may create at least 3,150 additional jobs, including large-scale employment linked to infrastructure, manufacturing, and renewable energy projects, President Marcos said.

Some of these agreements, according to the President, include commitments to digital upskilling with a combined value of $11.07 million, and are projected to train about 26,120 Filipinos by 2026 in artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies, and cybersecurity.

The visit’s outcome will also boost tourism after Prime Minister Modi announced free e-visa application for Filipino tourists. Relatedly, the Philippines has been granting 14-day visa-free entry for Indian tourists since June.

In addition, President Marcos said he and Prime Minister Modi discussed partnerships in the development of the Philippines’ digital infrastructure, to strengthen its digital systems and capabilities. The Philippines is also excited by the prospects of space cooperation with India, the President added.

While in India, President Marcos met with the Filipino Community, recognizing their important contributions to promoting Philippine culture abroad and fostering people-to-people ties. 

“I’m eager to deepen my understanding of space physics, answer fundamental questions about the universe, and inspire the next generation of young female scientists in physics,” she said.

“This is possible in Sweden, a country with a strong space research background and a deep commitment to gender equality,” she added.

According to an embassy news release, the Pioneering Women in STEM scholarship aims to empower women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by enhancing their participation, leadership, and performance in these critical fields.

For Katrina, it’s a dream come true—and a launchpad to a future where space science not only unlocks the mysteries of the universe but also helps solve problems here on Earth.

A new chapter for Filipino scholars

Katrina is among 54 Filipinos accepted into Swedish universities for the upcoming fall semester, with 11 receiving full scholarships from the Swedish Institute.

Alongside her, other Filipino scholars will be pursuing degrees in areas like sustainable engineering and public health—fields aligned with Sweden’s strong research tradition and global sustainability goals.

The Swedish Institute currently runs two flagship programs for graduate students: the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals and the Pioneering Women in STEM.

Since 1997, around 630 Filipinos have studied in Sweden, including 49 recipients of the SI Global Professionals scholarship between 2019 and 2025—45% of whom are women.

“Filipino students, with their unique perspectives, creativity, and resilience, make significant contributions to Sweden’s sustainability and research and development efforts,” said Ambassador Anna Ferry.

“Sweden is known for its culture of collaboration and the ‘quadruple helix’ model, where government, the private sector, civil society, and academia work together to address the world’s most pressing challenges,” she added.

Why Sweden?

For those considering graduate studies abroad, Sweden offers more than just world-class education. It’s a country known for its innovation, vibrant cultural life, and a progressive stance on gender equality—making it an ideal destination for young Filipinos dreaming big.

“Sweden is a fantastic destination for studying abroad, offering world-class education with a strong emphasis on innovation and research. Stunning landscapes, vibrant city life, and a culture that encourages creativity and independent thinking,” said Chris Eugenio, Chairperson of the Swedish Alumni Network-Philippines and an alum of the SI Management Program in Sustainability.

After their studies, many Filipino scholars continue their connection to Sweden through the Swedish Alumni Network, which links graduates “to a global family of changemakers, fostering lifelong professional and cultural ties worldwide,” Eugenio added.

Investing in the future

Sweden’s commitment to research and development—investing around 3.5% of its GDP, one of the highest globally—has made it a leader in fields like environmental technology, life sciences, and nanotech. Around 70% of its research is privately funded by global companies such as Ericsson, Volvo Group, ABB, and AstraZeneca.

With nearly 50 universities offering English-taught programs, including globally ranked institutions like Lund University and Karolinska Institute, Sweden continues to attract some of the world’s most promising minds.

As Katrina Baladjay prepares to embark on her academic journey, she’s not only breaking new ground for herself—she’s lighting the way for other young Filipinas to dream boldly and aim for the stars.