Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Francisco Noel Fernandez III discusses shipbuilding resources with Irving Shipbuilding's Human Resources Vice President Jim Rennie as Labor Representative Rachel Zozobrado-Nagayo (center) and Consul, a.h. Consuelo Lacson (2R) listen. (Photo Credit: Ottawa PE)

Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III met Irving Shipbuilding's Human Resources Vice President Jim Rennie in Halifax to better understand the company's manpower requirements. The initial meeting took place on 18 September 2022 with Labor Representative Rachel Zozobrado-Nagayo and Consul, a.h. Consuelo Lacson.

Contracted to build the Canadian Armed Forces' next generation of naval surface warships, Irving Shipbuilding is tapping the experiences and expertise of Filipinos in this important endeavor.

The Philippines ranked as the fourth largest shipbuilding country globally prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the competence of Filipinos in this industry.