PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN VANCOUVER, PTIC-TORONTO, AND PCTC HONOR FILIPINO AND CANADIAN COMPANIES: JOLLIBEE, CORINTHIAN DISTRIBUTORS LTD, B2GOLD CORPORATION, AND TELUS DURING THE FIRST EVER PHILIPPINE TRADE RECOGNITION AWARDS; ANNOUNCES THE ARRIVAL OF FIRST SHIPMENT OF PH MANGOES IN VANCOUVER

Vancouver, BC — 21 August 2026 - The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Toronto and the Philippines Canada Trade Council (PCTC), organized the inaugural Philippine Trade Recognition Awards for British Columbia, Yukon, and Northwest Territories on 21 August 2026 at the Terminal City Club in Vancouver.

The awards recognized Canadian companies and individuals who have helped strengthen trade, investment, and economic relations between the Philippines and the western part of Canada. The initiative also highlighted the important role of Canadian importers, investors, service providers, and business partners in expanding the presence of Philippine products and services in the Canadian market.

The event took place at a significant juncture in Philippines–Canada relations, following the meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Vancouver on 2 July 2026, during which the two countries elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to completing negotiations for the proposed Canada–Philippines Free Trade Agreement and the ASEAN–Canada Free Trade Agreement.

Five awards were presented during the ceremony:

• Outstanding Importer Award – Food and Beverage: Jollibee, recognized for its consistent import performance, growth, and contribution to promoting Philippine food products in Canada; 
• Outstanding Importer Award – Diversified Products: Corinthian Distributors Ltd., recognized for developing a diverse portfolio of Philippine products and expanding their presence in the Canadian market; 
• Outstanding Investment Partner Award – Resources: B2Gold Corporation, recognized for its longstanding partnership with the Philippines and sustained contribution to economic cooperation and development; 
• Outstanding Services Partner Award: TELUS, recognized for its significant partnership with the Philippines and contribution to strengthening trade in services; and 
• PCTC Impact Award: Mr. Vincent Uy, President of Corinthian Distributors Ltd., recognized for his meaningful contribution to strengthening trade, investment, and economic collaboration between the Philippines and Canada.

The first awardees and categories were chosen in consultation with Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Toronto, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry–Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) of the Philippines, based on data-driven criteria relating to trade and investment performance.

The Philippines Canada Trade Council (PCTC) Impact Award, meanwhile, recognizes an individual or organization whose leadership and initiatives demonstrated a meaningful and measurable contribution to Canada–Philippines economic relations. Nominees were assessed based on their demonstrated impact on Philippines-Canada bilateral trade, measurable outcomes and sustainability, leadership and innovation, contribution to business and community ecosystems, and alignment with the mission of the PCTC.

In her welcome remarks, Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin underscored the growing economic and commercial partnership between the Philippines and Canada. She expressed appreciation to the Philippines Canada Trade Council (PCTC) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Toronto for partnering with the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver in recognizing Canada-based importers, distributors, and business partners of Philippine goods and services. The Consul General emphasized that the awardees’ achievements demonstrate growing confidence in the quality, innovation, creativity, and competitiveness of Philippine products and contribute to stronger two-way trade and investment.

The Consul General also highlighted the significance of the Philippines–Canada Strategic Partnership, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Vancouver in July 2026. The strengthened bilateral relationship opens new opportunities in trade and investment, energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, technology, and economic development. The Consul General also announced upcoming initiatives, including MANILA FAME 2026, Winter Escapade 2027, and the anticipated arrival of the first shipment of Philippine carabao mangoes in Vancouver, as examples of opportunities to expand Philippine products and services in Canada. The Consul General also announced the arrival of the first shipment of Philippine Carabao mangoes in Vancouver next week through T&T Supermarket Canada.

Mr. Eric Ching, Chair of PCTC, welcomed guests to the inaugural Philippine Trade Recognition Awards for British Columbia, Yukon, and Northwest Territories and highlighted the important contributions of the awardees in promoting Philippine products and services, creating new business opportunities, and strengthening trade and investment relations between the Philippines and Canada. He expressed PCTC’s commitment to supporting initiatives that foster stronger business ties between the two countries and thanked the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Toronto for their partnership. He congratulated the awardees and emphasized the PCTC’s continued commitment to building stronger and more dynamic Philippines–Canada business partnerships.

Councillor Mike Klassen, Deputy Mayor of Vancouver, also delivered remarks highlighting the longstanding people-to-people, cultural, and economic ties between the Philippines and Vancouver. He recognized the contributions of the Filipino-Canadian community, particularly its entrepreneurial spirit and growing presence across Vancouver’s business, hospitality, recreation, and cultural sectors, noting the community’s important role in strengthening the city’s social and economic fabric and creating opportunities for future generations.

Councillor Klassen also highlighted the City of Vancouver’s efforts to support local businesses, including the streamlining of business licence categories and processes. He further noted the City’s support for the establishment of a Filipino Cultural Centre in Vancouver, an initiative endorsed by City Council to provide a permanent space for Filipino cultural celebrations, performances, heritage, and community activities, while helping ensure that younger generations remain connected to their Filipino roots.

On the other hand, Hon. Paul Choi, Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and MLA for Burnaby South-Metrotown, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of international trade, investment, and business partnerships in advancing British Columbia’s economic priorities. He underscored the longstanding trade, investment, and people-to-people connections between British Columbia and the Philippines and the significant opportunities to further strengthen these ties.

Parliamentary Secretary Choi highlighted British Columbia’s focus on economic growth, investment, innovation, and trade diversification, noting the Philippines’ important role as a strategic partner and one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies. He emphasized that the strong people-to-people connections between British Columbia and the Philippines provide a solid foundation for deeper economic and commercial engagement.

He also highlighted the significance of the Canada–Philippines Strategic Partnership, which was announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Vancouver on 2 July 2026 during President Marcos’ official visit to Canada. The new partnership aims to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, energy, defence, tourism, and other areas of mutual interest.

Parliamentary Secretary Choi further noted the opportunities presented by the ongoing negotiations toward a Canada–Philippines Free Trade Agreement and an ASEAN–Canada Free Trade Agreement, which could expand market access and create new opportunities for businesses and investors. Canada and the Philippines have committed to advancing negotiations toward both agreements in 2026.

He also highlighted British Columbia’s “Look West” approach and its strategic position as Canada’s gateway to the Indo-Pacific. He emphasized the importance of strengthening engagement with ASEAN and other Indo-Pacific markets and of building partnerships that can generate new opportunities for British Columbian and Philippine businesses.

In a recorded video message, Hon. Ma. Cristina A. Roque, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry highlighted the important role of Canadian businesses and private-sector partners in promoting Philippine products and services in Canada and supporting investments and business opportunities in the Philippines.

Secretary Roque emphasized that strong bilateral economic relations between the Philippines and Canada are built not only through governments, but also through businesses and private-sector partners. The awards also support DTI’s efforts to strengthen Philippine trade and export promotion by encouraging Canadian partners to further engage with the Philippines.

Secretary Roque invited more Canadian importers, distributors, businesses, and investors to explore opportunities with the Philippines and connect with Filipino exporters through trade promotion platforms such as FAME Philippines and IFEX Philippines. She extended her warm congratulations to all awardees and expressed confidence that the awards will inspire stronger trade and investment partnerships and contribute to the continued growth of Philippines–Canada economic relations.

Other distinguished VIP guests included Hon. Teresa Wat, MLA for Richmond-Bridgeport; Ms. Nattanipa Burusapat, Consul General of Thailand in Vancouver; and Mr. Ahmad Shazril bin Suhaimi, Consul General of Malaysia in Vancouver.

The event was also attended by representatives of Vancouver-based international businesses, real estate developers, chambers of commerce, law firms, financial institutions, and academic institutions, reflecting the broad support and interest of the British Columbia business and professional community in strengthening Philippines–Canada trade and investment relations.

The ceremony brought together more than one hundred Philippine and Canadian government representatives, business leaders, trade organizations, and members of the Filipino-Canadian business community, providing an opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships and explore new avenues for commercial cooperation. END