House Speaker Martin Romualdez (center) delivers his message at the welcome lunch for the Philippine delegation to the World Economic Forum 2025 annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on Monday (Switzerland time) (PPAB)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez highlighted on Monday, Jan. 20 (Switzerland time) the Philippine delegation's strategic agenda at this year's World Economic Forum (WEF). 

“Our participation in WEF 2025 is a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to fostering collaboration, securing investments, and driving inclusive and sustainable development,” Romualdez said during the welcome lunch held for the Philippine delegation in Davos, Switzerland.  

He said this year’s WEF, themed “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age", provides a critical platform for the Philippines to highlight its resilience, innovation, and economic potential. 

“Amidst the continued downside risks of fragmentation and conflict, there are still deals to be done and partnerships to be forged and strengthened,” said Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district congressman. 

The Philippine delegation includes Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph Recto and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque as well as representatives from the private sector. 

Romualdez said their collective mission is to build on the momentum generated by President Marcos' participation in WEF 2023, which marked the Philippines' re-emergence on the global stage with the launch of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF). 

Speaker Romualdez recalled how WEF 2023 served as a springboard for the MIF, and led to its successful legislative enactment in 2023.  

The following year, the Philippine delegation took advantage of WEF 2024 as an opportunity to build awareness of the country’s new sovereign wealth fund, with Romualdez leading the charge. Maharlika Investment Corporation CEO Joel Consing also took part at the event. 

The Speaker said the Philippines’ robust growth story was further amplified in 2024, with the hosting of the WEF’s first-ever Country Roundtable in Manila.  

He noted that during the event, WEF President Borge Brende lauded the Philippines' trajectory toward becoming a trillion-dollar economy within the next decade. 

“Central to this objective is ensuring a sustained flow of investments in the country that will enhance the competitiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the economy,” Romualdez said. 

He said the Philippine delegation’s participation in WEF 2025 underscores the country’s commitment to aligning its domestic agenda with global priorities, reaffirming its position as a proactive and collaborative global partner 

As the Philippines navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, the House leader emphasized the need to enhance trust and cooperation among stakeholders.  

“I look forward to strengthening our presence at WEF, building on our strong foundation, and forging partnerships that will drive economic growth and sustainability,” Romualdez concluded.