Makati city: The Philippines is exploring the possibility of establishing a critical minerals agreement with Canada to enhance its mining sector, as announced by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The initiative was discussed during a forum led by the Canadian Embassy in Makati City, where DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo highlighted the discussions held with Canadian stakeholders at the 2026 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention in Toronto.

According to Philippines News Agency, the potential deal with Canada follows the Philippines' recent signing of a critical minerals agreement with the United States, aimed at bolstering the local processing of critical minerals and the rare earth sector. At the PDAC, the Philippines expressed its willingness to expand business engagements with Canadian investors, emphasizing its vast mineral reserves as a reliable source for energy transition needs globally.

In addition to international collaboration, the Philippines is focusing on streamlining its internal processes to foster development in the mining sector. Rodolfo mentioned that the country's existing mining fiscal regime has been well-received by various stakeholders, including investors, local communities, local government units (LGUs), and the national government.

Further developments include a draft executive order on a critical minerals framework, which is awaiting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr's signature. Environment Undersecretary Carlos Primo David noted that if signed, the order would expedite the permitting process for mining activities. Currently, obtaining a permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) can take up to two years, contingent upon securing necessary approvals from other agencies such as LGUs and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples. David emphasized the goal to reduce processing time to less than a year.