Foreign envoys in the Philippines have congratulated President Marcos on the country's "encouraging" economic figures, saying these are good reasons to be optimistic about the country's future.

Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown III said this as Marcos hosted a New Year vin d'honneur for members of the diplomatic corps accredited in the country in Malacañan on Saturday evening, Jan. 11.

In his remarks, Brown, the dean of the Philippine diplomatic corps, highlighted the country’s economic performance under the Marcos administration as a reason to be hopeful.

"The diplomatic corps congratulates the government for the encouraging economic figures recently released on inflation, economic growth, and employment, mentioned by you, Mr. President in your speech, and these areas are a good reason to be hopeful about the future economic prospects of the country," he said.

In his remarks, President Marcos expressed optimism on Saturday that the country could hit this year the gross national income (GNI) per capita range set by the World Bank for it to reach upper-middle-income country (UMIC) status.

The President also touted the Philippines’ economic performance last year, describing it as a banner year for the country, with the economy remaining among the strongest in Asia, expanding by 5.8 percent for the first three quarters of 2024.

"Looking forward, this Government is committed to accelerating infrastructure investments, enhancing the ease of doing business, and boosting national competitiveness. These will support businesses, attract foreign investments, and spur higher economic growth," he said.

Peace process

Regarding the country's peace and reconciliation progress, Brown said the international community believes that the Bangsamoro Peace Process remains the viable path to peace, security, and prosperity for the people of the Bangsamoro Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

He said polarization and recrimination amplified by misinformation and disinformation serve as a reminder of the need for patience and perseverance in attaining those goals.

"The consequence of this reality is that the public trust in institutions begins to diminish considerably," Brown said.

"The antidote to the state of affairs is not easy. But it certainly involves on the part of all of us, our recommitment to truthfulness, balance, and fairness in our statements, and to listening respectfully to the perspectives of people we disagree with," he added.

With this, Brown reiterated the international community's commitment to helping guide human events to a path that leads to peace, prosperity, and security for everyone.

"That is only possible when there is communication— the authentic and respectful exchange of ideas and proposals and continuous dialogue," he said.