Toronto – Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced an investment of $28.15 million in development programming for the Philippines, emphasizing support for climate adaptation, for resilience against natural disasters, and for improved health care services.
Forest Foundation Philippines will implement an $8 million project to support vulnerable communities as they mitigate the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss. The project will assist with financing and capacity building to support gender-responsive, nature-based solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss.
Alinea International will implement a $12.5 million project to enhance climate resilience in 6 vulnerable provinces in the Philippines. This project will focus on building the capacity of national and local governments and women-led organizations on gender-responsive climate adaptation, and disaster risk reduction and management.
Plan International Canada will implement a $7 million project to support health-promotion campaigns and increased health-care services in remote communities. This project will also provide training for local health professionals in partnership with the University of Montréal School of Public Health.
Minister Hussen was joined by Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business and first Filipino-Canadian woman elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed to Cabinet, and Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Don Valley West.
Once again, Canada demonstrates its commitment to its Indo-Pacific Strategy and acts in the spirit of International Development Week (IDW), observed from February 4 to 10, 2024, alongside Canadians and development-focused organizations nationwide. Organized by Global Affairs Canada, IDW is a unique opportunity to highlight and recognize Canada’s impactful contributions to international development.
“Canada and the Philippines share a close relationship. During my recent visit to the region, I met with local leaders to discuss our important shared work on improving biodiversity protection, climate adaptation, women’s empowerment and health-care services—all areas that Canada is supporting through its development assistance. By working together, we’ll build healthier and more resilient communities in the Philippines and here at home.” – Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development