Metro Manila, Philippines – Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has congratulated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after the Philippines attained upper-middle-income country status, describing it as a sign of the country’s resilient economic growth despite global challenges.
Wong conveyed his congratulations during his meeting with Marcos at the Istana on Wednesday, July 15, as part of the Philippine leader’s working visit to Singapore.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Wong described the Philippines’ transition to upper-middle-income status as “respectable growth” despite the impact of the conflict in the Middle East.
“Sa kanilang meeting, nagpaabot ng pagbati si Prime Minister Wong kay Pangulong Marcos Jr. sa pag-angat ng Pilipinas bilang upper-middle-income country,” Castro said during a Palace briefing on Thursday, July 16.
(Translation: During their meeting, Prime Minister Wong congratulated President Marcos on the Philippines’ transition to upper-middle-income country status.)
The World Bank recently classified the Philippines as an upper-middle-income economy after its gross national income (GNI) per capita reached $4,850, exceeding the $4,636 threshold for the category.
Marcos earlier said the milestone affirms the effectiveness of the administration’s economic policies and reflects growing global confidence in the Philippine economy.
Following his meeting with Wong, Marcos said the two leaders agreed to expand bilateral cooperation beyond trade.
“Today, I met with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to discuss how the Philippines and Singapore can expand trade, navigate the adoption of AI, attract more investments, and deepen cooperation in the health and social sectors,” Marcos said in a social media post.
Marcos added that the Philippines and Singapore would continue working together as close ASEAN partners.
