The Philippines and Canada are set to formalize their security cooperation this Sunday with the signing of a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), the Department of National Defense (DND) announced Friday.

In a news release, the DND described the agreement as a reflection of the Philippines’ expanding defense partnerships with like-minded nations. 

The move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to strengthen international ties to promote regional peace and stability.

“The high-level defense engagement underscores the Philippines' commitment to expand the country's security partnerships,” the DND said.

The SOVFA will be signed by DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty. Prior to the signing, the two officials will hold a bilateral meeting in Makati City.

“Following the meeting, Secretary Teodoro and Minister McGuinty will sign the Philippines-Canada SOVFA, the negotiations for which concluded earlier in March this year,” the DND said.

Formal talks on the agreement began on 16 January and concluded on 7 March.

The DND said the SOVFA will provide a framework for enhanced cooperation, allowing closer collaboration between the defense and military establishments of both countries.

It is expected to improve interoperability between their forces and facilitate more effective joint exercises and capacity-building activities.

The Philippines already has SOVFAs with the United States, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, while discussions with France are currently ongoing.

The signing of the SOVFA with Canada marks another step in Manila’s efforts to strengthen its defense relationships amid a complex regional security environment.