Article by:
Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – The Philippines is interested to forge a possible critical minerals agreement with Canada to further develop its mining sector, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Friday.
Speaking at the Canada Embassy-led Stratbase forum in Makati City, DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said the Philippines brought up the potential deal during its engagement with Canadian stakeholders at the 2026 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention in Toronto early this month.
“In our discussions with our counterparts – both at the provincial and at the federal level – they're very much interested,” he said.
This developed as the Philippines formally signed a new critical minerals deal with the United States last month, with an aim to support the country's local processing critical minerals and rare earth sector.
At the recent PDAC, the Philippines conveyed its readiness to expand business with Canadian investors and industry leaders, citing its vast mineral reserves that can serve as a reliable source for energy transition overseas.
Eased process
Manila’s push to strengthen partnership with Ottawa on critical minerals also comes as the country ramps up efforts to develop the sector both on the policy side and the easing of process for mining permits.
“In terms of the policy, we already have the mining fiscal regime that has been well-received by all the important sectors – Investors, local communities, LGUs (local government units), and the national government,” Rodolfo said.
Environment Undersecretary Carlos Primo David, in the same venue, said a draft executive order on critical minerals framework is also now up for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s signature, and if signed, would further clarify the permitting process.
Under the current system, David said it takes up to two years before the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) could release a permit, granted that other permits from agencies such as the LGUs and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples had been duly secured.
“For us, we want it to be less than a year of processing,” he said. (PNA)
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