The Philippines and Canada have reaffirmed their strong agricultural partnership following a high-level meeting between Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai on November 13 in Makati City.
During the meeting, Tiu Laurel thanked Canada for its long-standing support in food security, climate resilience, and rural development. Sarai reiterated Canada’s commitment, highlighting a CAD 26-million investment package for global agriculture programs.
Both sides discussed new trade and investment opportunities. Canada signaled interest in helping the Philippines develop its cacao and coffee sectors, promote climate-resilient farming, strengthen IUU fishing monitoring, and improve regulatory capacity.
On dairy development, National Dairy Authority Administrator Marcus Andaya presented the Philippines’ interest in Canadian dairy genetics, live animals, and knowledge exchange to improve local farm conditions.
Tiu Laurel emphasized the need to upgrade logistics, cold-chain systems, and value-adding for high-value crops. He also said the Department of Agriculture is building a new rice fortification plant and is seeking Canada’s guidance to expand fortification to other products.
Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa added that the Philippines plans to submit concept notes by year-end for possible ODA projects in coffee, potatoes, cacao, and dairy.
Both countries agreed to strengthen coordination and deepen cooperation in food security, supply-chain resilience, and agricultural innovation.
