By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior ReporterTHE PHILIPPINES is unlikely to lose its newly attained upper-middle income country (UMIC) status despite the sharp economic slowdown in the first half, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development said. Economy Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the slowdown does not pose difficulties in keeping UMIC status. “Oh no, not at all, because, in per capita terms, gross national income (GNI) is still positive,” he told reporters on Friday. “Maintaining UMIC status should not be treated as proof that the economy is healthy or that living standards are improving sufficiently,” Mr. Peña-Reyes said. “A country can remain ‘upper-middle income’ on paper while its citizens still struggle with inflation, weak job opportunities or unequal income growth,” Mr. Peña-Reyes said.