Canada Expands Aid to Manila Despite Governance Scandals

Even as the Philippines continues to address governance lapses, including the lingering “ghost flood control” controversy, Canada has chosen a markedly different posture – partnership, confidence, and long-term engagement.

Canada reaffirms more than $76 million in new projects focused on climate resilience, inclusive economic growth, and community health. The renewed commitment comes despite governance scandals, signaling Canada’s optimism and confidence in the Filipino people.

In an updated announcement, Canada reaffirmed 12 large-scale development initiatives valued at more than $76.45 million (approximately ₱3.21 billion), all scheduled for rollout between 2025 and 2031.

The package covers climate resilience, food security, public health, inclusive trade, women’s leadership, and regional energy stability. Taken together, the programs highlight Canada’s belief that investing in the Filipino people remains a sound and forward-looking decision despite political turbulence.

For the Philippines, this renewed commitment carries weight. At a moment when some donors might have paused, Canada opted to deepen its involvement.

A Forward-Looking Partnership

The new initiatives reflect the priorities of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, which positions the Philippines as a central economic and development partner.

From helping SMEs reach international markets to equipping coastal and rural communities for a changing climate, the projects share a common goal: creating broader economic opportunity while building long-term resilience.

The Climate Resilient Agri-Food Trade Promotion Support (CRAFTS) and ELEVaTE programs will assist more than 400 Filipino small and medium-sized enterprises, with a strong focus on women-led firms, to improve export readiness and competitiveness.

In rural regions, the Disaster Resilient and Climate Adaptive Food Systems (DRCAFS) initiative aims to improve food security for 15,000 smallholder farmers in Northern Luzon and Eastern Visayas.

The project will upgrade post-harvest systems, introduce climate-smart technologies, and strengthen cooperatives to help farmers withstand frequent climate-linked disruptions.

A complementary investment led by the Center for Conservation Innovation will support ecosystem restoration across 125,000 hectares in high-risk provinces, benefiting more than 3.5 million Filipinos.

Investing in People: Health, Peace, and Social Inclusion

Canada is also extending support to critical human development sectors. A $7.1-million stunting reduction program will strengthen local health systems in four provinces, focusing on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.

Meanwhile, the animated educational program Isla Maganda will deliver peace and empathy-based learning to over 44,000 children and 5,500 educators in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.

On sexual and reproductive health, the STARS project expands access to essential services for women, girls, and LGBTQI+ individuals, particularly in disaster-prone and urban-poor communities.

The BRIDGE initiative, implemented with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, will help address climate-related water stress in Baguio, Antipolo, and Bulacan by improving local water management and strengthening gender-responsive disaster planning.

Climate Leadership Across Borders

Several of Canada’s largest commitments focus on energy and environmental sustainability.

Through EnerKey and its contribution to the ASEAN Regional Connectivity Fund, Canada will support Philippine and regional partners in decarbonizing power systems, promoting transport electrification, and improving cross-border energy cooperation.

Canada’s EnerKey project, which will help the Philippines cut emissions from power generation and transportation. The initiative provides high-level technical assistance on energy policy, electrification, and just-transition planning.

Another major investment in the Coral Triangle empowers women and Indigenous communities to lead conservation efforts across 65,000 hectares of protected land and marine ecosystems.

A Relationship Built on Trust

Canada’s renewed commitment comes at a time when Filipinos are calling for stronger transparency and accountability from institutions.

Yet its recent update sends a clear message – confidence in the Filipino people and a belief that progress remains worth investing in, even when governance challenges make headlines.

For this, Filipinos have reason to express gratitude.

In reaffirming these 12 new projects, Canada is not simply funding programs. It is signaling trust, partnership, and a shared vision for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the Philippines and the broader region.

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For more information, visit the following link: Backgrounder: New investments in the Philippines and ASEAN Region - Canada.ca.