Aquino thanks Canada for ‘believing in PH’

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday, May 7, expressed the Philippines’ gratitude to Canada for its assistance in times of need, and for believing in the country’s capacity to succeed.

Aquino made the statement in his remarks at the state dinner hosted by Governor General David Johnston in Rideau Hall in Ottawa, on the first day of his 3-day state visit to Canada.

“A primary intention of my visit is to express my nation’s gratitude for Canada’s enduring support….In the aspect of economic and social development, Canada has likewise demonstrated a profound belief in the capacity of my nation to succeed,” the President said.

He cited Canada’s readiness to help the country when it was devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and its active support for the peace process in Mindanao.

Aquino thanked Canada again for choosing the Philippines as a Country of Focus and for designating it as a Priority Emerging Market in Asia.

“The determination of Canada to see the Philippines attain greater heights is without doubt evident in the doubling of official development assistance from your country,” he added.

Aquino renewed the commitment of the Philippines to further strengthen its “already robust friendship” with Canada “and endeavor to forge a kind of economic relationship that redounds to the betterment of the peoples of Canada and the Philippines.”

The President also noted that Canada is close to the hearts of many Filipinos as it is home to 500,000 Filipinos. 

Canadian firms eye PH PPPs

When Aquino met with Johnston at Rideau Hall, the Governor General “expressed interest in the possible participation of Canadian companies in public-private partnerships,” said Palace Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.

Coloma said the two leaders also exchanged notes on the promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“The Governor-General expressed interest in the further development of the Philippines as a center for off-shoring of communication services and for business process outsourcing,” the Palace official said.

Aquino planted a red spruce on the grounds of Rideau Hall to commemorate his state visit to Canada – the first by a Philippine president since President Fidel V. Ramos in 1997.

His tree was planted beside the red maple of his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, planted during her state visit to Canada in November 1989.

Planting a tree on the Rideau Hall grounds is a tradition observed by heads of state, members of the Royal Family, and other dignitaries who visit the official residence of the Canadian governor general.

Aquino arrived in Ottawa from Chicago in Illinois, where he conducted a day-long working visit. He will also visit Toronto and Vancouver.

On his second day in Canada, he will meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The two leaders will witness the signing of bilateral agreements.

Aquino will also meet with members of the Filipino community before he returns to Manila on May 10. – Rappler.com