​PHILIPPINE Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga said the country “is ready” to be a reliable source of critical minerals essential for the energy transition. ​The Philippines plays a vital role in global supply chains for clean energy, electric vehicles, and semiconductors with its substantial reserves of copper, nickel ore, cobalt, and other critical minerals. ​Chan-Gonzaga said the Philippines demonstrated this readiness during its first-ever participation in the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention 2026 in Toronto. ​PDAC is the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining convention that brings together the industry’s most important players and stakeholders, he said. ​He said that with its vast mineral reserves, the Philippines is “well-positioned to expand partnerships with international investors and industry leaders underpinned by a commitment to responsible resource development and sustainable growth.” ​“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,” Chan-Gonzaga said. ​The Philippine delegation will engage stakeholders throughout PDAC to tap opportunities in exploration, investment, innovation and sustainable mining practices. ​“This is yet another concrete manifestation of the deepening of our economic partnership [with Canada],” the ambassador said in a statement Wednesday. ​“As we negotiate a bilateral free trade agreement [with Canada] and engage more comprehensively in spaces like mineral exploration and mining, economic ties between our two countries can only further strengthen, to the benefit of our two peoples,” he added. ​Chan-Gonzaga led the Philippine delegation on Feb. 28 at the inauguration of the Philippines’ first-ever country space at the Metro Toronto Convention Center. ​He was joined by 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. ​Nina Tangri, a member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga-Streetsville and associate minister of small business, represented the Canadian government at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.