MEMBERS of the House of Representatives on Tuesday received updates from Ambassador David Hartman and other representatives from the Canadian Embassy in Manila on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS).
House Committee on Foreign Affairs chairperson and Pangasinan Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas said the briefing was important as it recognized the crucial role of the House in shaping Philippine foreign policy.
“It is within our local networks that we hold the power to contribute to the implementation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy at the grassroots level, fostering a genuine and lasting partnership,” she said.
Arenas reaffirmed the unique opportunity for the Philippines and Canada to leverage on their strengths, describing the partnership as a testament to their strategic foresight and mutual commitment.
“The Philippines with its strategic location and burgeoning economic potential is a linchpin for stability. While Canada, a beacon of technical prowess and sustainable practices, brings a formidable force to the table,” she said.
Hartman highlighted the complementarity between the two countries when it comes to deepening their comprehensive bilateral relations. He said Canada is serious in fulfilling their commitments under the IPS
Among these are providing for 1) stronger foreign policy in defense, 2) mutually beneficial commercial opportunities, and 3) development assistance.
Hartman also assured that they are open to exploring ways to give more job opportunities to Filipino migrants and overseas Filipino workers.
Meanwhile, he noted that they have eased travel restrictions, contributing to more Canadian tourist arrivals in the Philippines.
Colin Townson, Canadian Embassy’s counsellor for political and public affairs, presented a progress report on the IPS implementation, during which he said that “Canada is a committed partner to the Philippines. We have made promises over the last year, and we have delivered on them. Our ambition for our partnership with the Philippines is without limit, and we are seeking the active partnership of the House to realize our shared ambitions.”
He noted that the Canada-Philippines Joint Economic Commission was established to reduce trade barriers, assuring that Canada can offer its clean technology for the country’s green transition, and to back efforts in curbing biodiversity loss and the impacts of climate change.
Townson bared that they started offering electronic travel authorization, reinforced visa capacity to reduce wait time, and funded scholarships for Filipino students.
Also present were House Committee on National Defense and Security vice chair Rep. Rep. Ernesto Dionisio Jr., Committee on Transportation chair Rep. Romeo Acop, Committee on Senior Citizens chair Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes, Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs chair Rep. Ron Salo, Committee on Health chair Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr., Committee on Government Reorganization chair Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, Committee on Legislative Franchises chair Rep. Gus Tambunting and Committee on Social Services chair Rep. Rosanna Vergara.
Others in attendance include Committee on Games and Amusements chair Rep. Antonio Ferrer, Committee on Visayas Development chair Rep. Lolita Javier, Committee on Housing and Urban Development chair Rep. Francisco Benitez, Committee on Public Accounts chair Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano, and Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Diplomacy chair Rep. Glona Labadlabad.
Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability chair Rep. Florida Robes, Committee on Basic Education and Culture chair Rep. Roman Romulo, Committee on Public Order and Safety chair Rep. Dan Fernandez, Special Committee on Strategic Intelligence chair Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora, Special Committee on Nuclear Energy chair Rep. Mark Cojuangco, and Special Committee on West Philippine Sea vice chair Rep. Wowo Fortes also attended the briefing.
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