The Philippines and Canada will establish a security roadmap that will enhance their combined deterrence capabilities against common threats.
This, as the Department of National Defense (DND) hosted the inaugural Defense Cooperation Working Group (DCWG) Meeting in Manila on Friday, Jan. 17.
DND spokesperson Asst. Sec. Arsenio Andolong said the meeting focused on discussions about emerging regional security challenges, maritime security, cyber security, and possible areas of cooperation between Manila and Ottawa.
“Both sides agreed to develop a roadmap for future collaboration, prioritizing initiatives such as joint military exercises, professional military education exchanges, defense modernization, and cybersecurity training,” he said. Further details about the planned roadmap are yet to be divulged.
During the meeting, the Philippine delegation, headed by DND Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Marita I. Yoro, expressed concerns about cyber threats impacting both the military and civilian sectors.
In response, Mr. Scott Miller, head of the Canadian delegation and Canada’s assistant deputy minister for policy, assured Canada’s support to the Philippines through training opportunities and capacity-building initiatives for both military and civilian personnel.
“The utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for intelligence production was also explored during the meeting,” DND spokesperson Asst. Sec. Arsenio Andolong said.
The impact of climate change on regional security was also a key topic of discussion, with the Philippines highlighting the need for collaboration in areas such as climate resiliency, humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), and infrastructure development.
Miller reaffirmed Canada’s dedication to upholding a rules-based international order and emphasized that the stability of the Indo-Pacific region has global implications.
He then expressed support for the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) that was adopted by the DND as part of the government’s efforts to protect the country’s interests in the West Philippine Sea.
“Canada is proud to stand with the Philippines in ensuring regional stability, addressing shared security challenges, and promoting mutual respect for sovereignty, democracy, and the rule of law,” he said.