Metro Manila, Philippines – Canada announced more than CAD 76.4 million (about PHP 3.2 billion) in new development investments for the Philippines on Friday, emphasizing that the funding will be managed through strict anti-corruption safeguards and delivered via trusted multilateral and civil society partners.
Speaking at a media roundtable in Makati City, Canadian Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai described the funding as one of Canada’s largest contributions since the launch of its Indo-Pacific Strategy. He said the initiatives reflect Ottawa’s commitment to supporting local leadership, particularly women and communities on the front lines of climate change and development.
“Canada stands alongside the Filipino people as partners in building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future,” Sarai said.
“Together, we are strengthening disaster preparedness, expanding access to health services, and unlocking economic opportunities that benefit both our countries.”
The funding will support 12 development programs nationwide, covering areas such as disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, renewable energy, agriculture, nutrition, and social services. Among the projects, a climate-resilient agri-food program will help small and medium-sized enterprises in the processed food sector grow and expand their market reach, while another initiative will boost women-led enterprises to compete internationally.
Efforts to strengthen disaster-resilient and climate-adaptive food systems will reach at least 15,000 smallholder farmers in Northern Luzon and Eastern Visayas, helping communities adapt to climate risks and secure their livelihoods.
Other programs include ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction initiatives, education and psychosocial support for children affected by conflict, and sexual and reproductive health programs aimed at reducing malnutrition and stunting.
Projects also focus on gender-inclusive community development, sustainable coffee farming, marine biodiversity stewardship in the Coral Triangle, and energy sector initiatives that promote renewable solutions and climate-resilient energy security.
Sarai highlighted Canada’s stringent anti-corruption mechanisms, noting that the federal government does not provide aid directly to the Philippine government. Instead, funds are routed through organizations with proven governance structures, monitored by Global Affairs Canada.
“We have a very rigorous system of checks and balances,” Sarai said.
“So if there’s ever any allegation of corruption, it is investigated immediately, and future funds to those organizations are suspended. Society is better off when these structures are in place and aid is delivered transparently.”
Canada’s investment builds on its long-standing development partnership with the Philippines. Between 2023 and 2024, Canada provided more than CAD 45 million in international assistance, supporting programs that expanded access to family planning for tens of thousands of women, trained thousands of community health educators, increased income and market access for smallholder cacao farmers, and protected over half a million hectares of marine and coastal ecosystems.
“The Philippines is one of the countries we prioritize for development and cooperation. Our goal is to continue strengthening these ties while ensuring our support reaches communities effectively and responsibly,” Sarai said.
