Canada announces support for climate adaptation, disaster resilience and health services in Philippines during International Development Week
News release
February 9, 2024 - Toronto, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced today an investment of $28.15 million in development programming for the Philippines, emphasizing support for climate adaptation, for resilience against natural disasters, and for improved health care services.
Forest Foundation Philippines will implement an $8 million project to support vulnerable communities as they mitigate the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss. The project will assist with financing and capacity building to support gender-responsive, nature-based solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss.
Alinea International will implement a $12.5 million project to enhance climate resilience in 6 vulnerable provinces in the Philippines. This project will focus on building the capacity of national and local governments and women-led organizations on gender-responsive climate adaptation, and disaster risk reduction and management.
Plan International Canada will implement a $7 million project to support health-promotion campaigns and increased health-care services in remote communities. This project will also provide training for local health professionals in partnership with the University of Montréal School of Public Health.
Minister Hussen was joined by the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business and first Filipino-Canadian woman elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed to Cabinet, and Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Don Valley West.
Once again, Canada demonstrates its commitment to its Indo-Pacific Strategy and acts in the spirit of International Development Week (IDW), observed from February 4 to 10, 2024, alongside Canadians and development-focused organizations nationwide. Organized by Global Affairs Canada, IDW is a unique opportunity to highlight and recognize Canada’s impactful contributions to international development.
Quotes
“Canada and the Philippines share a close relationship. During my recent visit to the region, I met with local leaders to discuss our important shared work on improving biodiversity protection, climate adaptation, women’s empowerment and health-care services—all areas that Canada is supporting through its development assistance. By working together, we’ll build healthier and more resilient communities in the Philippines and here at home.”
- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development
“As Canada’s first Filipina Cabinet minister, I am proud of the long-lasting relationship between Canada and the Philippines, and today’s funding announcement underlines the strength of the bond between our 2 countries. Canada is home to nearly 1 million Filipino Canadians, who contribute so much to communities from coast to coast to coast. By continuing to work together on our shared goals of battling climate change, improving the quality of health-care services, and women’s empowerment, our incredible relationship will only continue to get stronger. This is great news for Filipinos here in Canada and abroad.”
- Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business
“The projects announced today demonstrate Canada’s commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. The Philippines and Canada have shared a close partnership, built on shared values and close people-to-people ties, for decades. Our government will continue to be there for the Philippines through our development programming.”
- Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
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In 2024, Canada and the Philippines will celebrate 75 years of strong bilateral relations.
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Since 1986, Canada has contributed over $1 billion in official development assistance to the Philippines, averaging $24 million annually over the last 5 years (all projects combined).
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Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy focuses on supporting a more secure, prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing democracy, the rule of law, economic growth, resilience, peace, security, human rights, sustainable development, gender equality and environmental protection.
Associated links
Contacts
Olivia Batten
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Olivia.Batten@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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