OTTAWA (via PLDT)– President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo arrives here today from London on the second leg of her 8-day visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Canada and the United States.

The Chief Executive, accompanied by First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo, and a lean delegation of Cabinet and other government officials, is expected to arrive at the Macdonald-Cartier International Airport at exactly 11:30 a.m. (Tuesday midnight in Manila).

The President’s first official engagement here will be a luncheon to be hosted by Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General and commander-in-chief of Canada, and His Excellency John Ralston Saul, at the Government House here.

Her visit to Canada, which is a state visit, will be highlighted by her official meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien at the Parliament Hill.

uring their meeting, President Macapagal-Arroyo is expected to discuss with Prime Minister Chretien ways to improve the bilateral trade and friendly relations between the Philippines and Canada as well as the issue of official development assistance (ODA) from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

The President will witness here the signing of six government-to- government agreements.

The President’s Canadian visit will also include meetings with Filipino communities and business organizations.

She will personally thank the Filipino community in Canada for the support they have given to her administration through their dollar remittances which greatly support the country’s economic stability.

OTTAWA (via PLDT) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo arrived here today for a two-day state visit, the second leg of her eight-day visit to the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.

The Chief Executive arrived at the MacDonald-Cartier International Airport at exactly 11:00 a.m. (early Wednesday in Manila) amidst a cool and windy weather on board the Canadian Prime Minister’s official plane that fetched her from New York where she landed from London.

The President was accompanied by First Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo and a lean delegation of Cabinet and other government officials.

Before proceedings to Canada for a state visit, the President made a hectic but highly successful 29-hour working visit to London.

The President was met at the airport by Canadian officials led by the Honourable Rey Pagtakhan of the Canadian Ministry of Veterans Affairs, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Francisco Benedicto, Canadian Ambassador to Manila Robert Collette and Richard Kohler, chief of Protocol of Canada.

Also on hand to welcome her were some overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and Filipino-Canadians who were waving Filipino flags and buntings, all eager to personally see the President.

From the airport the President, accompanied by her official delegation, motored to Chateau Laurier Hotel, where she is billeted.

The President’s first official engagement in Ottawa was a luncheon be hosted by Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General and Commander-in-chief of Canada. The luncheon was held at the Government House here.

The highlight of the President’s two-day state visit here is her official meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien at the Parliament Hill.

During their meeting, President Macapagal-Arroyo is expected to discuss with Prime Minister Chretien ways to improve bilateral trade and friendly relations between the Philippines and Canada.

Following an expanded bilateral meeting, the President and Prime Minister Jean Chretien will witness the signing of six government-to-government agreements.

The President’s trip to this city and Toronto will also include meetings with Filipino communities and business organizations.

She will personally thanked the Filipino community in Canada for their support to her administration in terms of their dollar remittances that greatly support the country’s economic stability.

Ambassador Benedicto said the objectives of President Macapagal-Arroyo’s visit to Canada are three-pronged: to strengthen the two countries overall bilateral relations; to enourage Canadian businessmen to invest in the Philippines; and to establish a network with the large Canadian-Filipino community in Canada.

OTTAWA (via PLDT) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretein Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) witnessed the signing of six bilateral agreements between the Philippines and Canada that will further expand bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of the agreements in ceremonies held at the Reading Room Centre Block at the Parliament Hill here following their expanded bilateral meeting.

The President arrived here early this morning (Manila time) for a two-day state visit.

Under these agreements, the Government of Canada will contribute a total of $25 million over five years to support bilateral projects in the Philippines in the areas of judicial reform, information and communication technology (ICT), and small business development.

The six agreements signed are as follows:

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Concerning Private Entreprise Accelerated Resources Linkages Project II that provides for continued cooperation on Phase 2 of a project that assists organizations which deliver support services to businesses in the Philippines.

This project aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises contribute to the economic growth of the Philippines.

Under the MOU, Canada will provide $10 million over the next five years for the project. The MOU was signed by Canada’s Minister for International Cooperation Susan Whelan and Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Dante Canlas.

• A Letter of Intent on the E-Governance for Efficiency and Effectiveness project, which will promote cooperation on ICT between the governments of Canada and the Philippines.

This project also aims to strengthen the capability of key government agencies in the Philippines to adopt ICT in order to improve government operations and the delivery of services to the public.

The government of Canada will contribute $8 million over the next five years. The Letter of Intent was signed by Minister Whelan and Canlas.

• A Letter of Intent Concerning the Judicial Reform Support Program where Canada contributes $7 million over the next five years to support the Philippine Supreme Court’s Action Program for Judicial Reform, 2001-2006.

The program of action for this agreement aims to foster transparent and accountable governance through a more effective judicial system. The Letter of Intent was signed by Minister Whelan and Canlas.

• A Treaty on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons and on Cooperation in the Enforcement of Penal Sentences that outlines the process by which prisoners in both Canada and the Philippines will be able to serve their sentences closer to their families in their own countries.

The text for the treaty was initialed by Canada’s Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour and Philippine Ambassador To Canada Francisco Benedicto.

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Reciprocal Offer of Scholarships which will allow citizens of high academic standing from Canada and the Philippines to undertake graduate studies, postgraduate studies or post-doctoral studies in the other country. The MOU was signed by Secretary of State Kilgour and Ambassador Benedicto; and

• A Letter of Intent on Co-hosting a Seminar on the Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its aspects. Under this agreement the two countries will co-host a seminar on combatting illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in April 2002.

The seminar will take place in the Philippines and involve non-governmental organizations and officials from Southeast Asia and other interested countries.

The Letter of Intent was signed by Secretary of State Kilgour and Ambassador Benedicto.

Funding for these initiatives was provided for in December 2001 Canadian Federal Budget and is therefore built into the country’s existing fiscal framework.

In her statement following the signing of the six agreements, President Macapagal-Arroyo said she was very pleased and honored to be in Ottawa upon the invitation of Prime Minister Chretien

"The Philippines and Canada share a deep historical friendship on common values and aspirations, and our bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister and his Cabinet reaffirmed that spirit in reality," the President said.

The President stressed that there is also a global dimension in the two countries’ relationship since both Canada and the Philippines have been cooperating in international organizations, such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

"As such, we are both committed to international endeavors to promote peace, prosperity, freedom all over the world," the President said.

OTTAWA (via PLDT) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) called on the more than 300,000 Filipinos in Canada, some of them now Canadian citizens, to unite and help her one-year-old government in attaining peace and development.

Speaking before some 2,500 members of the Filipino community here at the International Ballroom Crowne Plaza Hotel, the President lauded them for their significant contributions to the government.

"Tinatawaw ng pamahalaan at ng taong-bayan ng Pilipinas ang kontribusyon ng mga overseas Filipinos sa ekonomiya at sa kabuhayang bansa," (My government and the entire 76 million Filipinos greatly appreciate your contributions to the country’s economy)," she said.

The President added that the contribution of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to the economy helps the country move toward stability and development.

In this connection, the President called the OFWs, who were all excited to see her in person, as the country’s new economic investors as she cited the great amount of money they infuse to the country’s economy every year.

The President called the OFWs as overseas investors because they continuously send their money which are used as capital for the development and progress of the country.

The President also pledged to work "doubly hard to strengthen overseas Filipino protection."

For instance, she said, the Department of Foreign Affairs is working on a Tulong OFW Program whereby it has floated $100 million worth of Bagong Bayani bonds to support a new package of socio-economic benefits for OFWs.

The Bagong Bayani bonds would raise funds to enable the OFWs to help themselves, to mobilize their savings investments in projects, like housing, back home, the President said.

The President also informed the OFWs of a housing program for overseas Filipinos under the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).

"This is part of our goal to provide 100,000 housing units a year for workers whether working in the Philippines or outside," she said.

The President also said that her administration would strengthen bilateral relations with countries hosting large numbers of Filipinos.

She informed the Filipino community that she is working hard to ensure the passage of the absentee voting bill to give overseas Filipinos the right to choose their leaders.

The President said she was assured by members of both houses of Congress who were with her during the trip that the absentee voting bill is already being deliberated upon and is expected to be passed within the year.

OTTAWA (via PLDT) – President Gloria Macapagl-Arroyo underscored Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) the need to further promote trade and investments between the Philippines and Canada.

In her speech at a dinner hosted in her honor by Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretein at the National Gallery of Canada here, the President said that Canadian businesses can continue to take advantage of the best of both worlds, such as knowledge and capital from Canada, and skilled human resources from the Philippines.

"Stronger partnerships will make Canadian companies more profitable, while giving our country the benefit of high technology and greater economic activity," the President stressed.

During her speech, the President extended an invitation to Prime Minister Chretein to visit the Philippines in the near future and lead another "Team Canada Mission," similar to ones that he led in 1995 and 1997.

The President noted that there is no better proof of the skills of the great Filipino worker than the contributions of Filipino-Canadians to their host country.

"This wonderful country is the adopted home of some 320,000 Filipinos who have taken up either citizenship or residency in Canada," the President said.

The President said she is proud that many Filipinos like Rey Pagtakhan, who is with the Canadian Ministry of Veterans Affairs, have contributed to the well being, cultural diversity and economic prosperity of Canada.

The President likewise said that the meetings that she had with Canadian officials led by Prime Minister Chretein "reinforced the excellent relations that have existed between our two countries since that historical point mentioned by His Excellency when Sunlife Assurance of Canada established a branch in Manila in 1895."

"It is always a great honor and privilege for Filipino leaders like me to be in the company of our Canadian friends, and strengthening a friendship that began more than a century ago and that, without doubt, will continue for many centuries more," she said.

The President also expressed the gratitude of all Filipinos for the continued assistance that the Philippines is getting from Canada.

"Canada continues to be a partner in our development efforts through projects pursued in tandem with both government and the private sectors," the President said.

OTTAWA – Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien cited Tuesday evening (Wednesday in Manila) the unwavering commitment to reform and good governance of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, saying that these are the objectives that Canada and the Philippines share.

In his remarks at the dinner he hosted for the visiting President at the National Gallery of Canada here, Chretien also lauded Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo for being the "first and most outspoken" Southeast Asian leader to support the US-led international coalition against terrorism.

Chretien said the support of the Philippines in the global war against terrorism is particularly important to Canada.

"As participants in the international campaign against terrorism, we have focused considerable attention and resources in routing it out," the Prime Minister said.

According to Chretien, the relationship between the Philippines and Canada has been renewed and made stronger by the two countries’ expanded dialogues since the September 11 attacks on the United States "and by the realization that we can help each other meet the challenge of creating a more secure global environment."

"In this endeavor and in many others, your country is a key ally and partner for Canada," Chretien said.

He said that because Canada and the Philippines are "very good friends," it was important for him and his government to make sure that the President is well received during her two-day visit to the country.

The President arrived here early Wednesday (Manila time) from London. From here, she will proceed to Toronto before flying to New York City to speak before the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Chretien told the President that the two countries’ bilateral relationship is anchored on their strong democratic traditions and by the presence in Canada of some 320,000 Canadians of Filipino descent who have played a vibrant role in his country.

The Prime Minister specially mentioned Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, who grew up in Cavite, and who is now Canada’s Minister for Veterans Affairs.

Chretien also told the President that Canada sees the Philippines as "a priority market" in Southeast Asia and that his government would bring the potentials offered by the Philippines to Canadian companies.

While he knows that the President had called for Canadian investors to make the Philippines as their investment destination in Asia, Filipino businessmen should also look at Canada not just a market or supplier but also as a place to invest in North America.

TORONTO, Canada (Via PLDT) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo urged the Canadian businessmen Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) to capitalize on the deepening convergence of Philippine and Canadian interests as she laid down before them various opportunities for trade and investment in the country.

In a speech before the Empire Club and the Canadian Club of Toronto at the Library Room of the Fairmont Royal Hotel here, the President informed the Canadian businessmen that she and Prime Minister Jean Chretien have agreed that this is a good time to expand trade and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The President arrived here at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday (12:15 a.m. Thursday, in Manila) from Ottawa where she had a one-on-one meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien.

Among the investment opportunities that the President has offered to the Canadian businessmen are in the areas of telecommunications, tourism, agri-business, the energy sector, infrastructure development and housing.

The Philippines, she said, has gone a long way in getting back on the radar screens of the world, having put in place a new Cabinet known for their competence and qualifications and who have brought professionalism in public service to new heights.

In her speech, the President stressed that the interaction between the Philippines and Canada is even more meaningful today, with both countries being strong allies in the fight against terrorism and poverty.

On top of that is the country’s special bond with Canada arising from the over 300,000 Filipinos that are currently based here.

"Our economic relations are deep, solid and robust," the President told a large crowd at the Fairmont Royal Hotel in the center of Toronto.

In convincing the Canadian business community to expand trade and investments in the Philippines, the President said that since she assumed the presidency over a year ago, the Philippines has made progress where bigger and richer economic economies failed, citing in particular the 3.4 percent GDP growth in 2001 and the 3.7 percent growth in the GNP.

"Together, we can weather the storm of global recession and achieve mutually profitable alliances," she said.

She recalled that in January 1997, Prime Minister Chretien accompanied a big delegation of Canadian business to the Philippines that resulted in the signing of US$31 million in commercial contracts and US$469 million in business agreements.

In return, the Team Philippines visited Canada in November of the same year, resulting US$1.4 billion worth of agreements between the two countries.

Total trade between the Philippines and Canada had reached US$1.2 billion in the year 2000 or an increase of 45 percent over 1997.

Last month, S.N.C. Lavalin, one of Canada’s leaders in engineering construction, signed an implementation agreement worth 1 billion Canadian dollars to finance, design and construct a light rail transit extension to the suburbs of Manila.

The agreement represents one of the biggest agreements signed in the Philippine-Canadian history.

TORONTO, Canada (via PLDT) -- Representatives of the Canadian government and business sector assured President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) that they will put the Philippines on their radar map.

The assurance was made by Canada Secretary of State and Minister of Science and Research Development Maurizio Bevilacqua and Canadian Club of Toronto president Gordon K. McIvor after hearing the President talk of the economic growth registered in the Philippines under her administration, as well as the efforts undertaken to attain such growth and sustain it in the remaining years of her term.

The President delivered a speech at the Empire Club of Canada and the Canadian Club of Toronto at the Fairmont Hotel here.

"Please note that after today, you will certainly remain on the radar screen of the hundreds of thousands of Canadians watching this at home on television," McIvor said.

The joint meeting of the Empire Club of Canada and the Canada Club of Toronto, which had the President as guest speaker, was aired over Rogers Community TV, CJRT-FM and the Canadian Public Affairs Channel (CPAC) and is expected to be carried on CSPAN of Washington, D.C.

McIvor recalled attending a conference in the Philippines where the President had also delivered a speech that included a discussion on boxer Mohammad Ali’s early years as a sportsman.

Quoting the President, McIvor said the Philippine President noted that while Ali's critics were merely doing the heckling, the boxer was taking all the punches.

Comparing the President with Ali, McIvor credited the visiting Chief Executive for surviving all 15 rounds in the fight.

"That, ladies and gentlemen, is a leader we should keep on our radar screen," he said.

Bevilacqua and McIvor cited the performance of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration and the hurdles it encountered along the way to stir economic growth in the Philippines.

"Canada greatly admires your bravery and determination since January 2001 when you assumed your office under very difficult circumstances, surmounting many obstacles," Bevilacqua said.

The Minister cited the President for her performance as chief executive, noting that she has "demonstrated to the world, not just to Filipinos, what true leadership is all about. Your vision for your country, your wisdom, your determination of creating a new Philippines."

He said President Macapagal-Arroyo is responsible for building a new image for the Philippines as "a country that is enjoying stability, strong economic growth and renewed foreign direct investment."

McIvor expressed the view that the economic growth registered in the Philippines may be attributed to the impressive academic credentials and professional expertise of officials appointed to run the Philippine economy.

While he noted that the President had cited her economic team -- composed of seven Harvard graduates, three Wharton alumni and four veterans of Wall Street -- McIvor stressed that she had left out one important detail in her speech: "That all these professionals are all presided over by you, a Ph. D. in economics."

"I don't know what's more appeaaaling, your expertise or your candour," he said.

Honored by the presence of the President, McIvor said the members of the two business fora "have now had the opportunity to enjoy and learn from your expertise and your candour. "

In expressing his appreciation for the President's visit to Toronto, Bevilacqua said the Chief Executive's speech "serves to further strengthen the relationship that Canada and the Philippines have enjoyed since the first Canadian trade mission was first established in the Philippines in 1949, and especially since the Canadian embassy opened in Manila in 1972."

"The Prime Minister asked me to say that Canada looks forward to the deepening of ties with the Philippines in the years ahead and I wish you and your great, great team the very best in all your future endeavours," Bevilacqua said.

TORONTO, Canada (via PLDT) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) called for the forging of business alliances between Canada and the Philippines in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.

In her remarks at the IT Forum in the Royal York Hotel here, the President said the Philippines' highly skilled and trainable workforce could fit well with Canada's back office operations and IT services.

"Promising business opportunities are open to both sides for business alliances in this sector," the President said.

She added that "considering that the global revenue projection for world outsourcing of IT services is showing significant shift towards the Asian region where American and European companies are increasingly contracting out their services to take advantage of much lower costs, it would be a wise move for Canadian companies to be a step ahead of their competition by choosing the new economy, Philippines."

The President noted that Canada could draw on the efficient work force of the Philippines, particularly in the ICT sector.

"Thanks to our country's millions of educated, English-speaking and IT literate work force, the Philippines is fast becoming a hub for information and communications technology," she said.

The President explained that her administration's strategy for human capacity building "is to transform our labor force into the new economy work force."

"To this end, more emphasis will be placed on improving basic education in math and science and in human resource development activities to create a pool of ICT professionals," she said.

The President likewise stressed that her administration is committed to expanding the Philippines' physical ICT infrastructure, noting that IT zones and cyberparks have already been created and equipped with reliable telecommunications infrastructure with high-speed interconnectivity at low cost.

TORONTO, Canda (via PLDT) -- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo assured Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) that the Philippine economic growth in 2001 will be sustained in the years ahead since it is propelled not just by consumption but by investment.

Addressing Canadian businessmen at the joint meeting of the Canadian Club of Toronto and the Empire Club at the Fairmont Hotel here, the President expressed confidence that the Philippine economy would be even more upbeat this year.

"Now it is clear that our full-year growth was investment-led, with domestic capital formation rising 4.3 percent amidst a world where there is disinvestment in many economies," she said.

The President noted that even Salomon Smith Barney has recognized that the Philippines has been "gaining its momentum."

"It (Salomon Smith Barney) recognizes that economic growth has been resilient largely thanks to strong personal consumption and some well-performing agriculture and services sectors," she said.

Quoting the Salomon Smith Barney, the President said the economic growth "could be bolstered by the government's growing credibility in the eyes of foreign investors."

She said the credit research group even noted that "given the government's commendable performance in 2001, we expect it should stay close to its more difficult targets in 2002.

However, the President said that contrary to the findings of the credit research group, the growth was not consumption-led but investment- led.

"Salomon Smith Barney probably based its evaluation on our first quarter growth which was consumption-led. I think it would even be more upbeat now that it is clear that our full-year growth was investment-led," she said.

Taking pride in the performance of her administration, the President told the Canadian businessmen that "leading international credit rating agencies and multilateral bodies such as Nexi, JBIC, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank have all responded to our economic performance by endorsing our enhanced credit worthiness."

She said "JP Morgan reports that the prevailing decline in risk aversion has allowed the continuous improvement in economic fundamentals in the Philippines to finally shine through."

The President informed the Canadian businessmen that the Power Reform Act and the Anti-Money Laundering Law, which have "long been considered litmus tests of our political will," have already been enacted into law.

She also told the businessmen that "our public deficit has been placed under control. Interest rates and inflation rates have declined," stressing that "interest rates are at their lowest in 15 years."

Given the bright prospects for the Philippine economy, President Macapagal-Arroyo said now "is the time to capitalize on the deepening convergence of Philippine and Canadian interests by strengthening our commercial relations."

TORONTO, Canada (Via PLDT) – A large group of Canadian investors is organizing a trade mission to the Philippines to look into the possibility of investing in the power sector.

This was the assurance made by Ontario Premier Michael Harris during a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her suite at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel on Wednesday afternoon (Thursday morning in Manila).

In their meeting, the President informed Harris on the ongoing privatization of the power sector in the Philippines following the passage of the Power Reform Act last year.

The Philippine Congress, according to her, has just finished the implementing rules and regulations, adding that the bidding will be done in June for the transmission sales of assets or corporation.

"We are privatizing the power sector. That’s going to be our big event in 2002," the President told Harris.

Harris, for his part, said the President’s visit to Canada "is very timely," noting that trade between the Philippines and Canada grew by 25 percent since 1997.

"We want to keep that growing," the Ontario Premier told the President.

In welcoming the President to Ontario, Harris said "Your visit here means a lot not only to us but to your countrymen."

At the same time, Harris expressed his appreciation over the contribution of the 300,000-strong Filipino community in Canada.

TORONTO, Canada (Via PLDT) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) that she wants to be remembered as the President with integrity and the one who put the Philippines into the new economy.

The President made this statement in response to a question during a round-table interview with Filipino-Canadian newsmen in her suite at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel here.

Aside from that, she said, it is best to be remembered for being bold in achieving the national ambition and in winning the fight against poverty.

"I want to be remembered as someone concrete in the battle against poverty," she said.

She likewise expressed hope that the people would remember her for promoting free enterprise, agricultural modernization, sectoral bias for the poor and improved moral standards in governance.

TORONTO, Canada (Via PLDT) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reiterated here on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) that "I am not surrendering national sovereignty" and assured that it will be the Filipino soldiers who will do the fighting against the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

The President made the statement during a round-table interview in her suite at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel here with Filipino-Canadian newsmen who queried her on the presence of United States troops in the Philippines for the Balikatan exercise.

The President also said in another interview with TV Ontario here that she is not concerned about a coup attempt "that’s why I’m here traveling."

Asked by the Filipino-Canadian newsmen about the long-drawn out effort to crush the Abu Sayyaf, the President said "it’s guerrilla warfare" the government forces are involved in.

The President also pointed out that "they (Abu Sayyaf) have hostages."

"We have to keep the hostages safe," the President said, reiterating the government policy that the well-being and safe release of hostages are of paramount concern.

In a separate interview with TV Ontario, the President allayed fears of an alleged coup, saying that the Philippine military is highly professional.

"The last coup attempt was made in 1989. They have learned their lesson since then," the President added.

The President also told TV Ontario that the Abu Sayyaf threat remains confined to the Southern Philippines.

TORONTO – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo met with Ontario’s Premier Mike Harris Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) to discuss ways to increase trade between the Philippines and Ontario.

"Ontario and the Philippines have enjoyed a prosperous friendship thanks to our economic and cultural ties," said Harris.

"I look forward to working with President Macapagal-Arroyo to build an even stronger relationship between Ontario and the Philippines," he added.

Harris identified trade as a key area of further development. "More business means more jobs, helping people in both the Philippines and Ontario," said Harris.

Ontario’s major exports to the Philippines include micro assembly parts, trucks and soya beans, while principal import items include semiconductors, computer data processing storage units, television receivers and integrated circuits.

"Ontario’s two-way trade with the Philippines represents over half of the total Canada-Philippines trade," said Harris.

"My trip to the Philippines with Team Canada in 1997 provided a valuable opportunity to promote Ontario business, bringing jobs to both our jurisdictions," he added.

OTTAWA (via PLDT) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo witnessed Wednesday morning (Wednesday evening in Manila) six agreements that would speed up the implementation of major government projects back home and enhance trade and investments ties between the Philippines and Canada.

The agreements, which will also generate employment and speed up technology transfer, were signed during a breakfast meeting with the Canadian business leaders at Chateau Laurier Hotel here where the President was the guest of honor.

The breakfast meeting with Canadian businessmen capped the Ottawa leg of the President’s two-day state visit to Canada.

Immediately after the meeting, the President and her official delegation left for Toronto for another round of meetings with Canadian officials and businessmen before flying to New York. H

The first accord signed was a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT), the Canadian Association of the Philippine Travel Agents, Inc. (CAPTA) and the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA).

The MOA, which was signed by Secretary Richard Gordon for DOT, Cora de la Cruz for CAPTA, and Placida Faustino for PHILTOA, is aimed at enhancing cooperation in the promotion of Philippine tourism in eastern Canada.

The agreement will generate foreign exchange and additional employment opportunities with the expected increase in tourist arrivals in the country.

Another MOA signed was between the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Royal Ventures Construction and Development Inc. (RVCDI) of Canada. The MOA was signed by Edgardo D. Pamintuan, NHA general manager, and Antonino Agozzino, chairman of RVCDI.

The agreement covers the development of the Royal Meadows Subdivision into a socialized housing project and the construction of a total of 3,397 core housing units, which shall be undertaken for a period of two years.

Housing units to be constructed by RVCDI are primarily intended for members of the Philippine National Police, teachers, local and national government employees, and other qualified members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), PAG-IBIG, Social Security System (SSS) and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Some P587.7 million will be invested by the Canadian firm in the project that is expected to provide employment to thousands of construction workers.

An MOA was also signed by the US-based PANOX Petroleum Products (PANOX), the Philippines’ Stoneworks Specialists International Corporation (Stoneworks), and Canada’s Beluga Tanks, Inc. (Beluga Canada) that calls for the setting up of a new company, the Beluga Asia, that would manufacture and distribute petroleum equipment and petrol station accessories.

The MOA was signed by Dean Panofsky of Panox Petroleum Products, Inc.; Marilyn Ong of Stoneworks, Inc., and Sheny Jaffer of Beluga Tanks, Inc.

Stoneworks specializes in the distribution of goods and services to the petroleum industry while Panox has the technology to manufacture petroleum tanks and the capacity to install such tanks and petrol stations.

Beluga Canada, on the other hand, is currently manufacturing and marketing Panox technology tanks in North America.

With the setting up of Beluga Asia in the Philippines, the country is expected to benefit from the technology transfer, aside from new investments and new jobs to be created.

Another MOA was signed by the Chamber of International Trade, Inc. (CITI) of the Philippines and the Canada Philippines Business Council (CPBC) aimed at further strengthening the economic and trade ties between the Philippines and Canada.

Under the MOA, the two organizations will promote cooperation, like exchange of information concerning commerce, industry and the economy in general and assisting their respective members in establishing and strengthening business contacts through organization of conferences, seminars, study tours and the other related activities.

The CITI also signed a separate MOA with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce of Toronto (PCCT) that seeks to sharpen the entrepreneurial skills of Filipino businessmen in the global economy.

The CITI is a trade organization that branched out from the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in 1964 during the administration of the late President Diosdado Macapagal.

The PCCT is a business organization composed of Filipino-Canadian businessmen engaged in various fields of business and industry in Canada.

A joint venture agreement was signed by the Email Finitech Inc. (Finitech) and Vichem Coatings and Chemicals, Inc (Vichem) which involves the custom application of non-corrosive, heat resistant porcelain enamel coating services on steel, iron cast and aluminum products for the Philippine and export market.

Finitech, a duly constituted corporation based in Canada, shall take the lead in developing the project and will provide, among other things the required technology and financing of at least 85 percent of the project’s total equity requirement.

Vichem will be responsible for project coordination in the Philippines, including securing the necessary government approval and permits.

TORONTO (via PLDT) – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is floating US$100 million worth of "Bagong Bayani " bonds to support a new package of socio-economic benefits for the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made this disclosure during her speech before the Filipino community at the Metro Toronto Convention Center here on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila).

Dubbed as "Tulong OFWs," the President said the program would enable the OFWs to raise funds to mobilize their savings that could be invested in projects like housing back home.

On top of that, the President said the government is also coming out with a housing program for the overseas Filipinos under the auspices of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the National Housing Authority.

"This is part of our goal to provide 100,000 housing units a year for workers, and the workers could be those working in the Philippines or those working in other countries," she said.

The President likewise informed the Filipino community here that the government has already scrapped the requirement for the OFWs to file the income tax information sheet and lifted the penalty for non-filing beginning the tax year of 2001.

The President got a resounding applause when she informed the huge crowd that her administration is giving priority to the passage of the absentee voting bill in order to empower the overseas Filipinos to vote and choose the leaders that would govern their country.

According to the President, a number of lawmakers from both chambers of Congress have already signified their support for the speedy passage of the absentee voting bill.

"So join me in praying that this bill would be enacted into law that we have long been waiting for," the President said.

She likewise expressed her strong support for the bill initiated by senators and congressmen regarding dual citizenship.

The President pointed out that because of the overseas Filipinos, the government is strengthening bilateral relations with countries hosting large numbers of Filipinos, including Canada.

"You (overseas Filipinos) are playing a big role in strengthening the relations between the two countries, the Philippines and Canada," she said.

In the same gathering, the President received from Canada-based businessman Emmanuel Nacario a total of 14 dialysis machines for Quezon province and the City of Makati.

Also during her speech, the President donated US$5,000 as her contribution for the construction of a Philippine Center in Toronto.