MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said the Philippines is ready to transition to upper middle-income country status, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration among government, development partners, and the private sector to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.

Speaking at the Philippine Development Forum (PDF) 2025 held at the EDSA Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City, Marcos said the country’s economic gains must be accompanied by reforms grounded in accountability, alignment, and national ownership.

“This Forum also marks our readiness for the next step: our transition to upper middle-income country status,” the President said.

Marcos noted that the milestone requires deeper partnerships built on shared goals and improved coordination across sectors.

He also thanked international development partners for their continued trust and support in helping the country achieve its long-term development goals.

“Your continued trust, expertise, and support help transform our vision into tangible outcomes,” he said.

The President urged all government agencies and stakeholders to translate the forum’s discussions into concrete action toward building a “fair, strong, and future-ready Bagong Pilipinas.”

“So, while we conclude this Forum with a Joint Declaration, we must remember: Declarations by themselves do not create results – they do set the direction of what our collective actions will be… So long as we work together, so long as our visions are aligned, we will succeed,” Marcos said.