World Bank Elevates Philippines to Upper-Middle-Income Status After GNI Hits $4,850
Updated
Updated · Inquirer.net · Jul 3
World Bank Elevates Philippines to Upper-Middle-Income Status After GNI Hits $4,850
3 articles · Updated · Inquirer.net · Jul 3
Summary
$4,850 in 2025 GNI per capita pushed the Philippines above the World Bank’s $4,636 upper-middle-income threshold, ending nearly four decades as a lower-middle-income economy.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called the upgrade a vote of confidence in the country’s future, while officials said it reflected steady growth, a broadly stable currency and long-term reforms despite global uncertainty.
Economic managers said the government will focus next on lowering inflation, protecting jobs and accelerating infrastructure and targeted support programs, including measures to cushion lingering effects of the Middle East conflict.
The new status is expected to strengthen the Philippines’ credit profile and investor appeal, even as concessional aid may gradually shrink and planners shift toward more public-private partnerships.
Japan remained the country’s biggest development partner in the 2024 ODA portfolio, with $13.23 billion in active commitments across 82 loans and grants.