Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. sat down with Senior Trade Commissioner Janine Fiddler of the Embassy of Canada over lunch today at Courtyard By Marriott Iloilo to discuss possible investment opportunities for the province of Iloilo, particularly in scaling up the agri-food industry.
Accompaning Ms. Fiddler is Trade Commissioner Dodjie Fabian of the Embassy of Canada.
Governor Defensor presented Iloilo’s strength as an agricultural province and emphasized the need for investments in value chain development and food processing.
Ms. Fiddler responded enthusiastically and offered to introduce the provincial government to Canadian investors in developing its agriculture sector.
They also had meaningful discussions on potential partnership in the areas of digital health, business process outsourcing, smart cities, and solid waste management.
The meeting wasn’t all business as it also touched on the deep ties between Canada and the Philippines. Ms. Fiddler noted that Filipinos are the largest migrant in her hometown in Winnipeg, while Governor Defensor shared that he has relatives living in Canada. She also emphasized the strong Filipino presence in Canada, with 27 Jollibee branches nationwide.
They further discussed a potential sisterhood agreement to strengthen the bonds between both countries.
During the meeting, Governor Defensor was supported by Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Dennis Ventilacion, Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Center Chief Aulynn Yue Sin, Provincial Planning and Development Office Acting Head Jigger Labergue, Provincial Population Officer and Head Executive Assistant to the Governor Atty. Ruel Von Superio, LEDIP’s Development Management Officer II IJ M. Salcedo, and Protocol Officer Mary Ann Ybañez.
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