PH pacts with Canada, New Zealand to boost AFP readiness – DND
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) said on Wednesday the country’s visiting forces agreements with Canada and New Zealand would enhance the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ interoperability, joint training and practical cooperation with the two countries.
The Senate unanimously adopted Resolutions No. 548 and 549, ratifying the Status of Visiting Forces Agreements (Sovfa) with Canada and New Zealand, respectively.
According to the DND, the two countries have been the Philippines’ reliable partners in upholding the rules-based international order amid shared security challenges that require regional and extraregional action.
The agreements are also expected to contribute to community resilience, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response, it said.
The Philippines signed its Sovfa with New Zealand on April 30, 2025, and with Canada on Nov. 2, 2025. The Canada agreement was its first with the Philippines and in the Indo-Pacific region.
Both agreements form part of Manila’s expanding defense cooperation with both countries.
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Stronger ties
In June, the Philippines and Canada also signed a defense logistics pact aimed at expanding mutual military cooperation and logistics support. The agreement built on the Sofva signed in November 2025.
The DND said it would continue to build stronger ties with like-minded countries that share the Philippine commitment to a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific, alongside efforts to develop a self-reliant and credible deterrent posture.
These efforts aim to protect the country’s territory, secure its maritime entitlements and promote lasting regional stability, it added.
“Together with our partners, we will continue to resist unilateral actions and expansionist ambitions seeking to reshape international law,” the DND said.
