Marcos secures Canadian investment commitments, faces protests in Vancouver

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. secured fresh investment commitments from Canadian firms during his state visit to Vancouver, Canada.

In a report on "24 Oras Weekend" by Ivan Mayrina, Marcos highlighted the outcomes of his meetings during a gathering with the Filipino community on Saturday.

“I am pleased to report that these engagements have advanced concrete commitments and investment opportunities, particularly in the areas of mining critical minerals, IT, BPM, business processing, and other emerging industries,” Marcos said.

“Mas maraming trabaho at pagkakataong kumita nang maayos, mas maginhawang pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan at mas matibay na ekonomiya para sa ating mga pamilya,” he added.

([This means] more jobs, better income opportunities, a more comfortable life for our countrymen, and a stronger economy for our families.)

According to the report, Canadian gold and copper producer OceanaGold is set to invest US$1.9 billion (about P106.4 billion) to expand its mining operations in Nueva Vizcaya and is exploring an extension of its operations until 2037.

Marcos also met with executives of B2Gold, which plans to invest US$14 million (about P784 million) to expand the solar power plant supporting the Masbate Gold Project.

The solar power facility reportedly contributed P10 billion in national and local taxes in 2025, making it the biggest tax contributor in the Bicol Region.

Addressing the Filipino community in Vancouver, Marcos acknowledged their contributions not only to the Philippine economy but also to strengthening the global reputation of Filipinos.

Met by protesters

Marcos left for Canada on Thursday, July 2, the final day of the Iglesia ni Cristo rally in the Philippines.

Protests followed him to North America, where a group of Filipinos in Vancouver staged a demonstration on Saturday calling for accountability over alleged government corruption.

Malacañang Palace said the administration would not be intimidated by the protests, stressing that government agencies are already working to hold accountable those involved in alleged anomalies.

“Sa mga may balak na mang-pressure sa gobyerno para po makaligtas ang mga tao na sinasabi nating maaaring sangkot sa mga anomalya, ’wag ninyo na po itong ipilit,” said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro.

(To those who intend to pressure the government to let individuals allegedly involved in anomalies evade accountability, do not even try.)

“’Wag ninyo na po itong gawin dahil muli, hindi matutulog ang gobyerno, hindi rin matutulog ang mga investigating bodies, pati na po ang korte para mapanagot ang dapat managot,” she added.

(Do not do this because, let me repeat, the government will not rest on this. Neither will the investigating bodies nor the courts until those responsible are held accountable.)

According to Mayrina’s report, Marcos and the Philippine delegation are expected to return to the Philippines on Sunday afternoon following a press conference with the Malacañang Press Corps.—Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/MCG, GMA News