PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III arrived in Canada for a three-day state visit and met with Canada Governor-General David Johnston, who expressed interest in the possible participation of Canadian companies in public-private partnerships.
“President Aquino and Governor General Johnston held a cordial meeting at Rideau Hall (May 8). Governor-General Johnston expressed admiration on the great strides made by the Aquino administration in terms of placing the Philippine economy on a high growth trajectory,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.
with Canadian officials at the Tent Room of the Rideau Hall during the
dinner reception for his state visit. MALACAÑANG PHOTO
“President Aquino said that good governance and pursuing the righteous path were largely instrumental in enabling the Philippines to achieve a turn-around,” said Coloma.
The Governor General also expressed interest in the further development of the Philippines as a center for off-shoring of communication services and for business process outsourcing.
Aquino thanked the Canadian people through the Governor-General for their significant assistance during the aftermath of super-typhoon Haiyan and cited Canada’s contribution to the advancement of the peace process in Mindanao.
Aquino lauded Canada’s National Research Council for its scientific and technological breakthroughs including those in acoustics and sound technology, that he himself has seen being a music-oriented person.
The two leaders also exchanged notes on the promotion of small and medium enterprises which Canada has also vigorously supported.
On the other hand, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo shared the Philippines’ experience in setting up roving academies and training workshops as well as setting up shared facilities for start-up enterprises, such as the coffee, coconut, and loom weaving industries.
Joining the President were Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Presidential Management Staff Secretary Julia Andrea Abad, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Foreign Afairs Undersecretary Laura del Rosario and Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila Garcia.
Johnston was joined by his wife Sharon, Deputy Secretary Patricia Jaton, and Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder.
Johnston said Aquino planted a tree yesterday near the tree planted by his mother, President Corazon Aquino in 1989, and said he was confident that the tree planted by the President today will be as tall, strong and resilient as the tree planted by his mother more than 25 years ago.
