The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed pride over the World Bank’s recognition of the Philippines as having achieved “upper middle-income status,” a milestone long aspired to since 1987.
However, Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro clarified that this does not mean all Filipinos are free from poverty and financial struggles.
She emphasized that the government continues to roll out assistance and interventions to provide decent jobs and address hunger nationwide.
Castro added that the achievement should be seen not as the final goal but as a step toward attracting more foreign investments that can create opportunities for workers.
She also urged critics to stop obstructing progress so the country’s economic advancement under the current administration can move forward more swiftly.
