Canada announces $28.15M support to PH

Canada announces $28.15M support to PH

Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

For climate adaptation, disaster resilience and health services

Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced on Feb. 9  “an investment of $28.15 million in development programming for the Philippines, emphasizing support for climate adaptation, for resilience against natural disasters, and for improved health care services,” in a press release issued by Global Affairs Canada.

Details of the assistance, which is being provided as part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, has the following components:

*$8 million project “to support vulnerable communities as they mitigate the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss,” to be implemented by the Forest Foundation Philippines…”to assist with financing and capacity building to support gender-responsive, nature-based solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss;

*$12.5 million project “to enhance climate resilience in 6 vulnerable provinces in the Philippines,” to be  implemented by Alinea International…”to focus on building the capacity of national and local governments and women-led organizations on gender-responsive climate adaptation, and disaster risk reduction and management; and

*$7 million project to support health-promotion campaigns and increased health-care services in remote communities. This project, to be implemented by Plan International, will “ provide training for local health professionals in partnership with the University of Montréal School of Public Health.”

“Canada and the Philippines share a close relationship. During my recent visit to the region, I met with local leaders to discuss our important shared work on improving biodiversity protection, climate adaptation, women’s empowerment and health-care services—all areas that Canada is supporting through its development assistance. By working together, we’ll build healthier and more resilient communities in the Philippines and here at home,” Minister Hussen says.

MP Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business

Joining him in making the announcement was Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business and first Filipino-Canadian woman elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed to Cabinet, and Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Don Valley West.

“As Canada’s first Filipina Cabinet minister, I am proud of the long-lasting relationship between Canada and the Philippines, and today’s funding announcement underlines the strength of the bond between our 2 countries. Canada is home to nearly 1 million Filipino Canadians, who contribute so much to communities from coast to coast to coast. By continuing to work together on our shared goals of battling climate change, improving the quality of health-care services, and women’s empowerment, our incredible relationship will only continue to get stronger. This is great news for Filipinos here in Canada and abroad,” says Valdez.

“The projects announced today demonstrate Canada’s commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. The Philippines and Canada have shared a close partnership, built on shared values and close people-to-people ties, for decades. Our government will continue to be there for the Philippines through our development programming” says Oliphant.

The funding package of $28.15 million is considered another demonstration of “Canada’s commitment  to its Indo-Pacific Strategy  and acts in the spirit of International Development Week observed from Feb. 4 – 10, 2024.”

Canada describes its Indo-Pacific Strategy as one that “focuses on supporting a more secure, prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing democracy, the rule of law, economic growth, resilience, peace, security, human rights, sustainable development, gender equality and environmental protection.”

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Quick facts

In 2024, Canada and the Philippines will celebrate 75 years of strong bilateral relations.

• Since 1986, Canada has contributed over $1 billion in official development assistance to the Philippines, averaging $24 million annually over the last 5 years (all projects combined).

• Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy focuses on supporting a more secure, prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing democracy, the rule of law, economic growth, resilience, peace, security, human rights, sustainable development, gender equality and environmental protection.

• Office of the Minister of International Development

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Source: Media Relations Office

Global Affairs Canada