HELLO, TORONTO!

Seems that your Canadian Prime Minister’s short visit to the Philippines was fruitful.
PM Stephen Harper and his lean team planed in to the Philippines a week ago (Nov. 9). He is only the 2nd Canadian head of state to have come to the country. Our first Canadian PM visitor came in 1997 when then PM Jean Chretien brought in his own team for an official trip.
PM Harper acknowledged the strides that have been made by the Philippine government in the areas of economy and good governance. In fact, he pledged an increased flow of Canadian investment in the part of the world, a move that we hope would up the existing bilateral trade for the two countries from the present amount of US$1.5 billion.
In a statement after his visit to Malacanang Palace, Harper said he was in agreement with the general view that truly, the Philippines is an ‘emerging Asian tiger’ as expressed by world business and political leaders
One document signed between representatives of both countries was in the area of national security- the purchase of military equipment that is hoped to beef up security activities to guard the national territory. In addition to these equipment, the Philippines also hope to derive knowhow in the use and proper maintenance of these. The defense agreement documents were signed by leaders of the Department of National Defense and state- run Canadian Commercial Corporation.
Among the subjects discussed by President Aquino and PM Harper in Malacanang were the strides that have been made in the area of good governance and the Initiatives for a much- hoped for peace in the Mindanao region.
Harper also said the renewed aggressiveness of Canada in expanding commercial relations with the Asia- Pacific region is hoped to be mutually beneficial in terms of creating jobs, allowing the growth of economies and reaching for a better quality of life for peoples.
Today, there are some 800,000 Filipinos- Filipino- Canadians or overseas workers staying in the vast nation of Canada.
Harper’s visit will hopefully be the start of many such official trips of your government’s leaders to our tiny spot in Asia. Aside from the usual economic and business objectives, we do hope that cultural and social activities may also be included in the list that will be drawn up by some of both countries’ visiting leaders in the hope that ties will be made stronger. Many Pinoys have called Canada their home but their love and affection includes their land of birth, the Philippines.
THANK YOU, TORONTO!