Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has commended outgoing Canadian Defense Attaché Lt. Col. Jason King for helping deepen defense cooperation between the Philippines and Canada during his three-year assignment in Manila.
Teodoro thanked King for his “exemplary service” during a farewell call at Camp Aguinaldo on July 14, citing his role in advancing key bilateral defense initiatives.
The two officials reviewed major developments in the relationship, including the signing of the Defense Cooperation Agreement in 2024, the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement in 2025 and the Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement earlier this year.
They also discussed proposed agreements, including terms of reference for the creation of a Military Cooperation Working Group at the armed forces level.
Teodoro highlighted the elevation of Philippines–Canada relations to a Strategic Partnership on July 2, 2026.
The announcement followed a series of high-level engagements, including Teodoro’s official visit to Ottawa on June 11, when both countries signed a Statement of Intent on Strengthening Defense Cooperation.
Teodoro also identified areas for further collaboration with King’s successor, including expanded military cooperation following Canada’s participation in the Philippines–United States Exercise Balikatan 41-2026.
Other priorities include broader education and training opportunities, information sharing and logistics cooperation.
The defense chief likewise acknowledged Canada’s support for Philippine efforts to strengthen security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
Teodoro wished King well in his future assignments and expressed confidence that bilateral defense ties would continue to expand.