Philippines and Canada Strengthen Industrial Ties at High-Level Toronto Forum
In a significant move to enhance bilateral economic relations, the Philippines convened a major multi-sectoral forum in Toronto, drawing more than 100 participants from government, industry, financial institutions, and media. The event, held on the sidelines of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2026 convention, focused on advancing growth through cooperation in strategic and emerging industries.
Keynote Address Highlights Policy Reforms and Partnerships
Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments (BOI) Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo delivered a keynote message outlining the government's strategy to accelerate industrial development. He emphasized policy reforms, streamlined permitting processes, and stronger domestic and international partnerships. Rodolfo cited new regulatory measures, including an updated mining fiscal regime, and noted that permitting timelines have been drastically reduced from over a decade to as little as one to one-and-a-half years. He also highlighted the Philippines' growing alignment with Canadian strengths in resource development, skills training, and industrial infrastructure.
Thematic Discussions Explore Value-Added Development and Investment
The forum featured two thematic discussions. The first centered on the Philippines' shift toward value-added development and alignment with Canada's expertise in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) standards, mineral processing, and clean industrial technologies. Panelists underscored the country's strategic location as a gateway to the Indo-Pacific region and stressed the need for a stable bilateral framework, including steps toward a future free trade agreement.
Hatch Ltd. Government Relations Director Jordan-Nicolas Matte commented, "There is a real dedication for the Philippines to not just be an extraction country, but to be a transformation country." He attributed this shift to an all-of-government push and improving regulatory coordination, noting that the Philippines is viewed as an attractive, strategic entry point to the Indo-Pacific region.
Driving Integrated Ecosystems Through Collaboration
The second discussion explored how private investments, workforce development, and government support can foster integrated industrial ecosystems. Philippine delegates emphasized the role of connected sectors, such as manufacturing, logistics, education, and professional services, in supporting end-to-end industry development and long-term partnerships.
BOI Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa highlighted the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) as a key tool for channeling investments into high-growth sectors. She stressed the importance of aligning workforce skills with industry demands through initiatives like the Academe-Industry Matching (AIM!) program. "Technologies are evolving faster than we are, and our workforce must keep pace. We work closely with academic institutions to ensure curricula and faculty are up to date and that graduates are equipped with the skills required by industry," she said. Dichosa also cited opportunities for collaboration with Canada in transnational higher education and in strengthening infrastructure and supply-chain development.
Emphasis on Bilateral Economic Framework
Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade Victor Fedeli emphasized the importance of a stronger bilateral economic framework. He noted that ongoing free trade agreement negotiations aim to expand market access and create conditions for businesses in both countries to scale and compete effectively. Fedeli described these initiatives as essential to a more predictable and scalable economic partnership.
Forum Outcomes and Future Prospects
Organized by the Board of Investments (BOI), the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC), and the Philippine Embassy and Consulate offices in Canada, with support from Ipilan Nickel Corp. and Carrascal Nickel Corp., the forum underscored the Philippines' commitment to building competitive industrial value chains. It positioned the country as a hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing and services, with discussions extending beyond critical minerals to include clean energy technologies, semiconductors, IT-BPM, logistics, education, and professional services.
The event concluded with networking sessions and business-to-business meetings, enabling Canadian firms to engage directly with Philippine stakeholders, explore concrete opportunities, and translate policy reforms into actionable partnerships. This collaborative effort marks a pivotal step in deepening Philippines-Canada economic ties and fostering resilient industrial ecosystems for future growth.
