Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will push through with his official visit to Canada from July 1 to 4 despite the massive Iglesia ni Cristo protest on EDSA that forced the cancellation of his morning engagements on Tuesday, June 30.
Communications Secretary Dave Gomez said in an interview with reporters that the travel schedule stays.
“There will be no changes to the schedule of the president going to Canada tomorrow (July 1),” Gomez said.
The president canceled his morning engagements to monitor the impact of the surprise protest, which caused widespread traffic disruptions in parts of Metro Manila.
Marcos will travel to Canada at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for talks aimed at expanding economic and security cooperation. The visit will be the first by a Philippine president to Canada in 11 years.
The Presidential Communications Office earlier said Marcos and Carney are expected to discuss defense and maritime security, trade and investment, energy, critical minerals, food security and people-to-people ties. The two leaders are also expected to discuss the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship and regional priorities.
Carney’s office said both sides will seek to accelerate negotiations for a Canada-Philippines Free Trade Agreement and a Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, both targeted for completion this year.
“The relationship between Canada and the Philippines is strengthened by the deep ties between our citizens,” Carney said.
“With the Filipino Canadian diaspora nearly one million strong, Canada and the Philippines are building up our partnership so it’s stronger and more expansive, and so it reflects the depth of our values. I look forward to hosting President Marcos Jr. as we bring our countries ever closer,” he added.
Marcos is also expected to meet Canadian business leaders and investors to promote opportunities in information technology, business process management, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure, critical minerals and other high-growth industries.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will join the president in engagements with the Filipino community in Vancouver, British Columbia.
