Experts have expressed belief that the Philippines and Canada must work together to develop supply chains for critical minerals in a bid to reduce dependence on other countries amid global developments.

During the recent conference organized by Stratbase Institute and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada), APF Canada vice president for research Vina Nadjibulla said it's a strategic necessity for both countries to build "supply chains that are democratic, that are not just dependent on China," to be able to navigate an increasingly "divided and dangerous" global landscape.

Nadjbulla said critical minerals, which underpin high-tech industries and advanced defense systems, serve as "a cornerstone of the two nations' deepening partnership."

She said the Philippines and Canada must leverage their complementary strengths to build a more resilient economic future in the region.

"This is the moment to deploy our critical minerals, both for our digital needs and our sustainability goals, as well as obviously defense industrial actions," she said. 

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, who was also present during the talk, disclosed that the Philippines was already eyeing to enter into a critical minerals deal with Canada that is similar to its bilateral pact with the United States.

The US is doing aggressive expansion of its own critical minerals framework to secure supply chains and reduce its reliance on China, according to Stratbase.

"We hope that with Canada, we can also have a critical minerals agreement given the prominence that we’re putting on critical minerals," Rodolfo said, adding that the deal was brought up during the 2026 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC) in Toronto, where he said that mining and mineral processing will be the priority sector for the government's promotion.