THE Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) recently conducted a goodwill visit to further demonstrate the friendly relations between Canada and the Philippines, while also reflecting the North American country’s commitment to its vibrant partnerships in Asean and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Winnipeg arrived on October 11 and docked at the Port of Manila until the next day. Its last visit was in 2017.
“I [was] pleased to welcome HMCS Winnipeg, its officers and crew [in] Manila,” Ambassador Peter MacArthur said during arrival ceremonies. “As a maritime nation, the Philippines has always been a very good host to our fleet, and I know this visit will further strengthen a relationship that bridges the Pacific Ocean.”
He added: “Operations conducted by…Winnipeg, together with our allies and partners in the region, demonstrate Canada’s ongoing commitment to supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Deployment
SINCE August HMCS Winnipeg has been deployed to the Indo-Pacific. It will conduct forward naval-presence operations in the region and cooperative deployments, as well as participate in international naval exercises with allied and partner-nations until December 2021. Manila is the vessel’s fourth of its seven port visits.
“The deployment…is aimed at working with partner-nations to enhance military cooperation,” MacArthur explained. “As a Pacific nation, Canada’s deployment of Winnipeg to this region is part of our contribution [in] making the world more secure and stable.”
Commander Doug Layton, the ship’s commanding officer, made a virtual courtesy call on Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Caesar Bernard N. Valencia to discuss issues of mutual interest.
“HMCS Winnipeg [delivers vast capabilities working with our partner-navies to boost global] partnerships and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” Layton said.
The commander stated that the RCN has a long history of deploying around the world in peacetime and during conflicts: “In line with [our Defense] Policy of ‘Strong, Secure, Engaged,’ Canada’s naval forces work both independently and in support of allied or partner-missions.”
During its deployment, Winnipeg will also support “Operation NEON,” Canada’s contribution to the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2375 and 2397 on North Korea.
Background
THE ship’s namesake is the City of Winnipeg: the capital of the Canadian province of Manitoba. It is where some of the very first Filipino immigrants to Canada arrived in the 1950s and 1960s—including women who worked as nurses and teachers in the health sector, and later technicians, office workers, and doctors.
Many of those came to the said city to renew their visas from the United States, and decided instead to stay and make Canada their home. Today Winnipeg has the third-largest Filipino community in the North American country.
Canada is also home to one of the biggest concentrations of Filipinos in the world. It enthusiastically celebrates the contributions Canadians of Filipino descent have made, and continue to make to the social, economic and cultural fabric of the said country. The naval vessel and the city share a common motto: Unum Cum Virtute Multorum (“One with the strength of many”) to highlight the power of many people working together to achieve a common goal.
According to the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines, HMCS Winnipeg has 262 highly trained and professional sailors, including 11 of Filipino descent—all well prepared to meet the challenges of their deployment.
While conducting Operations “PROJECTION” and “NEON,” the ship continues its seven port visits in four different countries including Japan, South Korea and the US, apart from the Philippines, in line with Canada’s diplomatic efforts in the region.