The Philippines, as home to vast mineral reserves, is ready to expand business with foreign investors and industry leaders, its ambassador to Canada told investors Sunday.

Philippine Ambassador Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga made the pitch at the Philippines’ launch of its first-ever country space at the 2026 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention on March 1.

The meeting, which gathers the industry’s most important players and stakeholders from across the globe, is known as the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining meet.

Chan-Gonzaga, in a statement Wednesday, said Manila’s participation with a dedicated country space reflects its “readiness to deepen collaboration with global partners as a reliable source of critical minerals essential for energy transition.”

“I view our high-level participation at PDAC 2026, including the first ever Philippine country space, from the broader perspective of the strong and deep bilateral relations of the Philippines and Canada at this time. This is yet another concrete manifestation of the deepening of our economic partnership,” he said.

“As we negotiate a bilateral Free Trade Agreement, and engage more comprehensively in spaces like minerals exploration and mining, economic ties between our two countries can only further strengthen, to the benefit of our two peoples,” he added.

The Philippine delegation will engage stakeholders throughout PDAC to explore opportunities in exploration, investment, innovation and sustainable mining practices.

Chan-Gonzaga is joined by Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, Philippine Consul General in Toronto Kristine Leilani Salle, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Assistant Secretary Michael Cabalda, and representatives of the Philippine Nickel Industry Association and other mining companies.

Interested parties looking to learn more about the Philippines’ reserves of nickel, copper, gold and other key minerals, as well as potential partnerships, are urged to visit the Philippine country space at Metro Toronto Convention Center, Trade Show North, Booth 7108N, which will run until 12 noon on March 4 (Toronto time). (PNA)