Canada to help Phl Navy improve skills

MANILA, Philippines - Canada has vowed to find ways to assist the Philippine Navy in improving its capabilities.

The commitment was made Tuesday during the courtesy call of Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder to Navy chief Vice Adm. Jose Luis Alano in Manila.

“Ambassador Reeder expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm in working with the Philippine Navy especially in the field of defense cooperation,” Navy spokesman Lieutenant Commander Gregory Fabic said in a statement.

“He (Reeder) assured Vice Adm. Alano that they would continue to seek ways on how they can assist and help the Philippine Navy in its capability and capacity upgrade,” he added.

The Philippines and Canada are also looking into the possibility of forging a training collaboration to promote interoperability between their two navies.

“In capability, we can explore defense industry cooperation with Republic of Canada,” Fabic told The STAR.

“Canada has a sophisticated technology base and has advanced ship-building industry, technological edge and indigenous research and development,” he added.

Reeder was accompanied by non-resident Canadian Defense Attaché to the Philippines Col. Michel Latouche and Cmdr. Daniel Charlebois, commanding officer of Canadian ship “Regina.”

The ship arrived at Pier 15 in South Harbor on Saturday for a port visit that will end on Feb. 5.

“The visit aims to promote stronger military ties and cooperation between the Philippine Navy and Royal Canadian Navy and strengthen the diplomatic relation between the two countries,” Fabic said.

In 2001, the Philippines and Canada signed a memorandum of understanding on participation in combined naval exercises.

Canada was one of the countries that provided relief to the victims of super typhoon “Yolanda” last year.

The Northern American country sent 237 soldiers to assist in clearing debris, rebuilding roads, providing clean water and delivering medical care.

Canada also deployed three CH-146 Griffon military helicopters to help in the relief efforts.