MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ new head of mission to Canada presented his credentials to the governor general, with the commitment to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
On Monday, Governor General Mary Simon received Amb. Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, together with other new heads of mission.
In her remarks, Simon welcomed the envoys, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy in the most crucial of times.
“You’ve come to Canada at a time when collaboration across borders is more crucial than ever. These are disruptive times, yes—but they are also full of opportunities,” she said.
“Around the world, we are witnessing a rise in violent conflict. Protectionism is intensifying, harming individuals and communities alike. Climate change continues to exact a heavy toll on vulnerable communities around the world. In the face of these global challenges, Canada aims to be a partner in co-operation. A voice for dialogue and transparency,” Simon added.
Upon their arrival in Canada, new heads of mission must present their letters of credence to the governor general before they can carry out their duties, according to the official website of the Governor General of Canada.
Letters of credence are the official documents that accredit a diplomat as an ambassador of or high commissioner for another country, the website added.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Chan-Gonzaga told DZRH that he conveyed to Simon the best wishes of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and the Filipino people and reiterated his firm commitment “to build upon the strong foundations of what was jointly achieved in the last few years” between the Philippines and Canada.
“I underscored my firm commitment to build upon the strong foundations of what we have jointly achieved in the last few years in order to achieve a common future of peace, security, and mutual prosperity,” Chan-Gonzaga said.
“I also shared with the Governor General, being the first indigenous person to hold the office, the Philippine experience with regard to recognizing, protecting and promoting the rights of indigenous peoples in the Philippines,” he added.
Photo shows Philippine Embassy personnel with Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga, spouse Ms. Lorna R. Chan-Gonzaga and son Inigo Joachim (seated). (Courtesy of Embassy of the Philippines, Ottawa, Canada)
Ambassador Chan-Gonzaga is a seasoned Filipino diplomat with over 25 years in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
He has held key roles in both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, including postings in Washington, D.C. and at the Philippine Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization in Geneva. In Manila, he led treaty negotiations and legal policy development in various senior positions.
He holds a Master of Laws in International Law from Columbia University (Fulbright and Bretzfelder Fellow), and a Juris Doctor and BA from Ateneo de Manila University.
Chan-Gonzaga succeeds former Ambassador Maria Andrelita S. Austria whose tour of duty in Canada was completed on 16 June 2025.
