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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Makakahabol na tayo': Tiangco anticipates middle income country status under PBBM

'Makakahabol na tayo': Tiangco anticipates middle income country status under PBBM

Published Apr 21, 2025 03:33 pm

At A Glance

  • Navotas City lone district Rep. Toby Tiangco is upbeat with the prospect of the Philippines achieving middle incoming status as early as next year under the current administration of President Marcos.

20250421_190829.jpgPresident Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (left), Navotas City lone district Rep. Toby Tiangco (Facebook)

Navotas City lone district Rep. Toby Tiangco is upbeat with the prospect of the Philippines achieving middle incoming status as early as next year under the current administration of President Marcos.

“Climbing up to a higher bracket would be a milestone for our country. NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) has expressed optimism that we will reach upper-middle income status by 2026, if not sooner,” Tiangco said in a statement Monday, April 21.

"To help keep the country on track, the Marcos administration continues to implement programs and policies aimed at increasing investments and generating jobs to sustain the country’s upward momentum," noted the majority congressman.

A country is classified as upper-middle income when it reaches a per capita gross national income (GNI)—or the total amount of money earned by a country’s people and businesses at home and abroad—between $4,516 and $14,005.

In Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia belong to this group, while Singapore and Brunei are considered high-income.

"Finally, after so many years, makakahabol na tayo (we're going to catch up to them). The Marcos administration is determined to ensure that we no longer lag behind our ASEAN neighbors," Tiangco said.

ASEAN stands for Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The Philippines is a founding member of the regional bloc.

Tiangco emphasized that while economic classification is important, the administration remains focused on inclusive growth.

"Rising to a higher income group is a great achievement, but it’s not the end goal. The true objective is to uplift the lives of Filipinos—through better education, more jobs, and poverty reduction,” he added.

DEPDev Act

Tiangco also expressed support for the newly-signed Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Act, which he believed would enhance long-term economic planning and policy continuity.

“The DEPDev will ensure that regardless of who is in office, our development agenda stays on course,” he said.

April 10, 2025, President Marcos signed the Republic Act (RA) No. 12145, legislating the DEPDev’s charter.

DEPDev is set to craft the country’s first 25-year infrastructure masterplan to ensure that critical projects continue despite changes in administration.

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