Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong congratulated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. after the Philippines attained upper-middle-income country (UMIC) status, describing the milestone as a reflection of the country’s sustained economic progress.
Marcos and Wong met on Wednesday at the Istana in Singapore to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between the Philippines and Singapore during the President’s working visit from July 14 to 16.
The World Bank’s latest income assessment showed that the Philippines has reached upper-middle-income status after recording a gross national income (GNI) per capita of US$4,850, surpassing the US$4,636 threshold.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Wong congratulated Marcos during their meeting for the Philippines’ economic upgrade.
“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.
“Ayon sa Prime Minister, maituturing na respectable growth o matatag na pag-unlad ng Pilipinas ang pagiging upper-middle-income country sa likod ng mga pagsubok dulot ng kaguluhan sa Middle East,” she added.
Marcos earlier said the milestone affirmed that the government’s economic policies over the past four years have been effective, describing it as a vote of confidence in the Philippines’ future.
The President said the new status could lead to increased investments, business expansion, better-quality jobs, and more opportunities for Filipinos.
Meanwhile, Wong also congratulated Filipino tennis star Alex Eala for her historic victory at Wimbledon.
Earlier this month, Eala defeated defending champion Iga Swiatek of Poland, 7-6(9), 6-2, in the third round of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships.
“Tiwala ang Prime Minister na si Alex Eala ang magiging kauna-unahang Southeast Asian na mag-uuwi ng grand slam title sa Wimbledon – bagay na sinang-ayunan ni Pangulong Marcos Jr.,” Castro said.
“Kapwa nagpaabot ng paghanga ang dalawang lider sa tagumpay na dala ni Alex Eala sa Southeast Asia,” she added.