Canada invests $28.15 million on PH climate, healthcare initiatives

The Canadian government announced a $28.15-million investment to support the Philippines in its efforts for climate adaptation, resilience against natural disasters, and improved health care services.

The announcement was made by Canada’s Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen in a statement released on the country’s government website, citing 75 years of “strong bilateral relations” between the two countries.

“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,” he said.

“By working together, we’ll build healthier and more resilient communities in the Philippines and here at home,” he added.

The investment will support the Forest Foundation Philippines’ $8-million project which seeks to assist in financing and capacity building to support “gender-responsive, nature-based solutions” to climate change and biodiversity loss.

It will also cover Alinea International’s $12.5-million project that centers on boosting the capacities of national and local governments, as well as women-led organizations, on gender-responsive climate adaptation.

Also included is Plan International Canada’s $7-million project that supports health-promotion campaigns, and boosts services in remote communities, along with providing training for local health practitioners as a tie-up with the University of Montréal School of Public Health.

“The projects announced today demonstrate Canada’s commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss,” said Canada’s Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Oliphant.

“The Philippines and Canada have shared a close partnership, built on shared values and close people-to-people ties, for decades. Our government will continue to be there for the Philippines through our development programming,” he added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News