President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. returned from Canada with USD2.5 billion in investment commitments, betting that the Philippines’ next wave of growth will come not only from traditional sectors but also from artificial intelligence, critical minerals, nuclear energy and even space.
Speaking upon his arrival on July 5, Marcos said meetings with Canadian officials and business leaders yielded fresh investment pledges spanning mining, energy, services and the information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) industry, reinforcing investor confidence in the Philippines as companies diversify operations across the Indo-Pacific.
The commitments came after talks with executives from B2Gold Corp., OceanaGold Corp., TELUS Corp., and NQX, as the administration pitched the country as a stable, strategic investment destination.
But beyond the headline figure, Marcos underscored a broader shift in economic priorities. He said the Philippines is pursuing partnerships in high-value industries—including critical minerals, nuclear energy and space—while encouraging IT-BPM firms to establish artificial intelligence hubs and learning centers to equip Filipino workers with next-generation digital skills.
The trip also produced diplomatic gains. The Philippines and Canada elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, a move expected to deepen cooperation in trade, energy security, resilient supply chains and innovation.
Marcos likewise welcomed Canada’s entry into the Luzon Economic Corridor, backed by an initial CAD2 million commitment for infrastructure, clean energy and supply chain projects, while expressing optimism that negotiations for a Philippines-Canada free trade agreement would further expand economic opportunities.
Together, the investment pledges and strategic agreements signal Canada’s growing economic stake in the Philippines—and the administration’s effort to position the country not just as a manufacturing and outsourcing hub, but as a player in the industries expected to shape the global economy over the coming decades.
