January 16, 2024 — Canada is supplementing its official development assistance or ODA to the Philippines by $15 million over the next number of years.
The extra funding was announced by Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s Minister of International Development, during his official visit to the Philippines in January.
“Canadian overseas development assistance is meant to be deployed in the Philippines in a manner that compliments, supplements, and supports Philippine national priorities,” Hussen said in a report by the Philippine News Agency.
The money will go to climate action initiatives and health services.
“As part of our Indo-Pacific strategy, which is Canada’s way to focus in this region in terms of diplomacy, trade and investment, and development, the Philippines is central to that strategy,” the Canadian federal minister also said in the PNA report.
Hussen is a Member of Parliament representing the Ontario riding of York South—Weston.
He was first elected as MP in 2015, and has served as Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
The PNA report noted that Canada’s annual ODA to the Philippines is valued around $24-25 million.
Hussen said in the report that the additional $15 million aid is expected to "get underway in 2024."
The report explained that $8 million will be delivered over five years to build climate-change resilience in communities through reforestation and coastal wetlands restoration.
The balance of $7 million will be allocated over six years in grant financing to help the Philippine government implement its Universal Health Care Act and strengthen the capacity of local governments.
The PNA report noted that Hussen met with Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.
Canada and the Philippines will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2024.
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