The Philippines and Canada on Sunday formally signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), marking a historic milestone in defense cooperation between the two countries. 

The pact establishes a legal framework for the presence of Canadian military personnel in the Philippines for joint training, humanitarian operations, and other defense-related activities.

The agreement, which was the first of its kind between Canada and with an Indo-Pacific nation, was signed in Manila by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. and Canadian Minister of National Defense David McGuinty.

In a press conference, McGuinty hailed the signing as a testament to the enduring partnership between the two Pacific nations, rooted in shared history and common values.

“Today is a great day for both of our nations. It's a day that we declare our commitment to deepening our defense cooperation, a commitment to build on the productive and beneficial partnership that we already enjoy, a partnership that stretches back 75 years,” he said. 

He recalled the cooperation between Filipino and Canadian soldiers who fought side by side during the Korean War, underscoring that the same spirit of solidarity continues in the modern era through joint maritime and regional security efforts.

“Peace is built on rules, not recklessness, and stability grows from cooperation, not confrontation,” McGuinty said, commending the Philippines for its leadership in upholding international law and pursuing peaceful dispute resolution.

Since the launch of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy in 2022, Mcguinty said his country has expanded its regional engagement through naval deployments and participation in multinational exercises, including the Philippines-led Exercise Sama-Sama.

“We've also committed to maintaining a persistent naval presence of three Canadian ships in the region each year, representing more than 300 days at sea and 80 days in our partners’port last year alone,” he mentioned.  

McGuinty noted that the Royal Canadian Navy has made nine port visits to the Philippines over the past three years, involving more than 2,250 sailors and aircrew.

“Each visit has strengthened friendships. Each visit has deepened trust, and it's enhanced the interoperability that keeps our region strong and secure,” he said. 

“Then last year, we signed a Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, a milestone that laid the foundation for deeper collaboration between our militaries that laid the foundation for deeper collaboration between our militaries,” he further said. 

“The agreement we signed today builds on that very progress, but it also reflects a deeper truth that peace is built on rules, not recklessness, and that stability grows from cooperation, not confrontation.”

Phl-Canada 'true convergence'

Meanwhile, Teodoro emphasized that the SOVFA reflects a “true convergence” of interests and values between the Philippines and Canada, forged through close cooperation at both leadership and institutional levels.

“I believe that this agreement is a product of true convergence. First, our leadership from President Marcos, who, as Minister Maguinty told us earlier, had extensive discussions prior to and on the sidelines of APEC with Prime Minister Carney. And both gentlemen talked about various areas of convergence to include security,” he said. 

Teodoro also noted that the Philippines-Canada SOFVA “is built on the foundation of a rules-based international order that respects the sovereignty and dignity of all nations and their peoples.”

He then highlighted that the agreement would strengthen joint efforts not only in defense but also in cybersecurity, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and resilience building.

“Canada and the Philippines share a lot of common interests,” he said. “However, underpinning the SOFA is the foundation on which it is built. It is to preserve the international order as a rules-based international order, respecting the sovereignty and dignity of not only states but also of its people as human beings with the rights and the freedoms that they enjoy.” 

Teodoro also underscored the symbolic importance of the agreement, noting that Canada chose the Philippines as its first formal SOVFA partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

“It is an honor for the Philippines to be Canada’s first partner in this endeavor,” Teodoro said. “Together, we will be stronger for the greater good of the Indo-Pacific.”

Strengthening regional stability

Both ministers described the agreement as part of a broader effort to promote peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific amid evolving global challenges.

“Like ships that sail in close company, our nations will move forward together, distinct but aligned and guided by purpose,” McGuinty said.

The SOVFA complements the 2023 Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding between the two nations, providing the operational and legal framework for enhanced military exchanges and cooperation.

Both defense chiefs described the agreement as a starting point for deeper collaboration, paving the way for more regular joint exercises, information sharing, and coordinated regional engagement.