The Philippines' top diplomat has embarked on a five-day visit to Canada as the two countries mark the 75th year of diplomatic relations this 2024.

In Ottawa, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo met with his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly, who visited Manila last year.

Manalo will also meet with Canadian immigration minister Marc Miller and other senior government officials in the capital.

The DFA chief noted that ties between the two countries have grown with Canada's increased presence in the Indo-Pacific region, and the connection to almost a million Filipinos in the country.

"As illustrated by the Indo-Pacific strategy of Canada, there's certainly a growing awareness of the importance of our region," Manalo said, "especially the Philippines and we hope to build on that."

Manalo also said the Philippines is expecting a proposal from Canada on a possible agreement for stationing military forces in the host country.

The talks came amid China's increasing aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

"We, of course, are open to that proposal," Manalo said. "It would be similar to the ones we have with Australia and the U.S., probably focusing a lot on humanitarian assistance and response to natural disasters."

The Philippines’ dispute with China has not been helped by Beijing's revelation of an alleged secret agreement and the recent incidents on the Scarborough and Ayungin shoals.

Manalo said they have invited China to continue their bilateral consultations to further discuss these issues.

He also reiterated that the Philippine government did not enter into a deal with China that would prevent it from fortifying its lone outpost in the Ayungin Shoal.

"There [was] no signing, existence of any record of an agreement on as China says," Manalo added. "But naturally, in these consultations with China, we will probably take up that issue."

Vancouver speech disrupted

During his short stop in Vancouver, Manalo attended the Indo-Pacific Leaders-Speakers series of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.

But student protesters disrupted his keynote address four times. They also protested right outside the venue and their voices could still be heard inside.

Filipino community leaders who attended the forum said the disruption was unfortunate.

"They have the right to protest," said Cliff Belgica, director of the United Filipino-Canadian Associations in British Columbia. "But there’s also the right of the organization that’s putting this together to put an event that’s not disturbed by anything like this."

Improving trade ties

Meanwhile, with the Philippines also looking to expand trade with Canada, the two biggest Philippine food importers urged the government to cut red tape.

They also called on manufacturers to get certification for their products.

"I hope the local government can facilitate the licensing and the process because it has been very difficult," said Glen Delfino Ong of Gardenia Trading Corp. "I feel like they’re giving the people involved a hard time."

In other developments, Manalo confirmed that Canada has invited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to visit the country, also as part of the two nations' 75th year of diplomatic relations.