(AseanAll) — The Philippines and Canada convened the 7th Meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) on 12 February 2026, at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila. Undersecretary for Policy Leo M. Herrera-Lim led the Philippine delegation while Assistant Deputy Minister for Indo-Pacific Weldon Epp led the Canadian delegation.
Undersecretary Herrera-Lim highlighted the positive momentum in Philippine-Canada relations and the milestones that have marked and strengthened the partnership, including the signing of the Philippines-Canada Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) and the advancement of discussions toward a Philippines-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
“The Philippines considers Canada a credible, reliable, and principled partner, in supporting both our bilateral and collective efforts in promoting peace and security in the region,” he said.
“We share Canada’s enthusiasm in increasing and further exploring other areas of cooperation,” Undersecretary Herrera-Lim added. Assistant Deputy Minister Epp likewise recognized the importance of working together to advance mutual interest and noted how, as vibrant democracies, the values of both the Philippines and Canada are aligned.
The delegations also discussed advancing economic and development cooperation, as well as collaboration on energy security, critical minerals, and cybersecurity.
Both sides recognized the robust people-to-people ties between the two nations, particularly Canada’s Filipino community of nearly one million, as well as ongoing cooperation in labor, migration, consular matters, health, education, space, and indigenous peoples’ programs. The two sides also noted the evolving global landscape and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening a rules-based order, as well as the importance of promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Other senior members of the Philippine delegation included: DICT Undersecretary Julius Gorospe, DFA Office of American Affairs Assistant Secretary Raquel R. Solano, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga, DFA Maritime and Oceans Affairs Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Donato K. Guzman, DENR Assistant Secretary Noralene Uy, and DEPDev Assistant Secretary Jonathan Uy.
The Canadian delegation included, among others, Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman, and Mr. Jason Tolland, Special Advisor to Global Affairs Canada, Indo Pacific.
The JCBC was formed in 2012 as a mechanism to regularly review progress in bilateral cooperative activities and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
