The Philippines ranked first among 57 emerging markets and developing economies for investor relations, according to the latest Investor Relations and Debt Transparency Report of the Institute of International Finance (IIF), the Department of Finance (DOF) said Friday.
The IIF assessed countries based on investor relations, debt transparency, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures through surveys and desk research.
The Philippines earned the highest overall Investor Relations Country Score of 49.3 out of 50, ahead of Türkiye and Brazil, which both scored 48.3. Hungary, Uruguay and Indonesia rounded out the top performers.
The report said countries with strong investor relations practices tend to maintain more stable sovereign credit ratings because regular disclosure and engagement with investors strengthen policy credibility and institutional trust.
Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the recognition reflects increasing confidence in the country’s economy.
“This recognition sends a strong signal that the Philippines is a credible and reliable investment destination. It reflects growing confidence in the Philippine economy and in the reforms we are pursuing,” Go said.
The Philippines also ranked among the top three in debt transparency, scoring 12.3 out of 13 for making public debt data and policy information available.
It was likewise one of only four emerging economies to receive a perfect score of 4.0 for ESG data and policy disclosure, alongside Hungary, Uruguay and Chile.
According to the IIF, strong investor engagement and transparent debt reporting help reduce market uncertainty, attract more investors, lower borrowing costs, and improve a country’s credit standing.
Go said transparency remains essential to sustaining investor confidence.
“Strong investor confidence helps the government access financing on better terms, allowing us to invest more in priority programs and services that create jobs, support businesses, and expand opportunities for Filipino families,” he said.
