Phl, Canada sign defense training deal

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines and Canada on Thursday signed an agreement that seeks to improve the capabilities of Filipino soldiers by providing them training opportunities.

The signing, which formalized the defense training cooperation program of the two countries, was witnessed by Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder and Armed Forces Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Virgilio Domingo in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

In a statement, Reeder said the signing marked an “important milestone” in the two countries’ defense cooperation program.

“Canada and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have enjoyed a strong military training partnership since 1997 and today’s signing allows that partnership to continue and flourish even further” Reeder said.

“I am confident this MOU (memorandum of understanding) will allow both countries to expand and strengthen an already excellent relationship, as was exemplified by the excellent spirit cooperation demonstrated by our respective military personnel in response to typhoon Yolanda,” he added.

Canada was one of the countries that provided assistance to areas ravaged by super typhoon “Yolanda” last year. It deployed three military helicopters and 237 soldiers to assist in clearing debris, rebuilding roads, providing clean water and delivering medical care.

The Canadian military has trained more than 150 Filipino soldiers even before the defense cooperation program was formalized.

Under the agreement, AFP personnel will be provided opportunities to attend courses offered by the Canadian Armed Forces in various military training facilities in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.

Among the training courses that have been provided under the program were peacekeeping courses, senior management courses, national security program, language courses on English and French, command and staff courses, civil-military relations, public affairs, and naval boarding party training.

The Unit Training Division of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training will select the participants.

On Tuesday, Canada vowed to assist the Philippine Navy in enhancing its capabilities.

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

The two countries also agreed to find ways to promote interoperability between their two navies. – with R. Gita