ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has moved to position Iloilo Province as a prime destination for Canadian investments, formally exploring partnerships in agriculture, digital health, business process outsourcing, and smart city development during high-level talks with the Canadian Embassy.
Defensor discussed the province’s investment prospects with Senior Trade Commissioner Janine Fiddler of the Embassy of Canada to the Philippines during a meeting and luncheon on February 25 at Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo.
Highlighting Iloilo’s strong agricultural base, Defensor presented the province’s competitive edge in the sector, particularly its potential for value chain development and food processing — areas seen as ripe for foreign capital infusion and technology transfer.
Fiddler responded positively, saying she would introduce the Iloilo provincial government to Canadian investors interested in helping develop the province’s agriculture sector.
Beyond agriculture, the two officials also discussed possible partnerships in digital health, business process outsourcing (BPO), smart cities, and solid waste management — sectors aligned with Iloilo’s modernization and sustainability agenda.
The meeting, however, went beyond economic diplomacy. It also underscored the longstanding ties between Canada and the Philippines.
Fiddler noted that Filipinos are the largest migrant community in her hometown of Winnipeg, while Defensor shared that he has relatives living in Canada.
She also emphasized the strong Filipino presence in Canada, citing the existence of 27 Jollibee branches nationwide — a testament to the growing cultural and economic footprint of Filipinos abroad.
Both sides likewise floated the idea of forging a sisterhood agreement to further strengthen institutional and people-to-people ties.
Defensor was joined in the meeting by Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Dennis Ventilacion, Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Center Chief Aulynn Yue Sin, Provincial Planning and Development Office Acting Head Jigger Labergue, Provincial Population Officer and Head Executive Assistant to the Governor Atty. Ruel Von Superio, LEDIP Development Management Officer II IJ M. Salcedo, and Protocol Officer Mary Ann Ybañez./PN
