President Marcos trusts Manila rally to remain peaceful as he embarks on Canada visit

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in Vancouver on Wednesday (Canada time) to begin an official visit aimed at strengthening the Philippines' partnership with Canada and expanding cooperation with like-minded countries.

The President's aircraft landed at Vancouver International Airport at 4:46 p.m. local time (7:46 a.m. Thursday in the Philippines). He was welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, Consul General Gina Jamoralin, and Defense Attaché Brig. Gen. Ray Anthony Derillo.

According to a report of the Philippine News Agency, before departing for his official visit to Canada, the President spoke of the ongoing Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally.

He expressed confidence that the gathering would remain peaceful, noting the religious group's history of disciplined demonstrations.

While the government continues to monitor the situation with a focus on public safety, the President also issued a warning regarding potential attempts by outside groups to infiltrate the rally and provoke unrest.

The administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of the public as the situation develops.

CANADA VISIT

Marcos' Canada visit is expected to focus on expanding collaboration in trade, defense, maritime security, people-to-people exchanges, and air connectivity between the two countries.

Before departing for Canada, Marcos said the trip would build on the "very positive trajectory" of bilateral relations while opening new opportunities for cooperation in sectors such as mining, critical minerals, and renewable energy.

During the visit, Marcos is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Mark Carney, where they are expected to discuss a Plan of Action that will guide the next phase of Philippines-Canada relations and promote long-term growth.

The President will also meet with Canadian business leaders to encourage greater investment and expand two-way trade. The discussions are expected to cover opportunities in mining, information technology-business process management (IT-BPM), nuclear energy, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and financial services.

Marcos and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos are likewise set to meet members of the Filipino community in British Columbia, where Canada is home to around one million Filipinos recognized for their skills, professionalism, and contributions.

Joining the President on the trip are Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, Finance Secretary Frederick Go, and Communications Secretary Dave Gomez.

The visit marks the first official trip by a Philippine president to Canada in more than a decade and follows the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2024.