NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Filipinos Still Hopeful-But Optimism Slips In Latest SWS Survey
Photo credit: SWS
A recent survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) shows that 38% of adult Filipinos expect their quality of life to improve over the next 12 months. Another 32% believe things will stay the same, while 16% think life could get worse. The remaining 14% were undecided.
From these figures, SWS recorded a Net Personal Optimism score of +23—still considered “high,” but noticeably lower compared to previous readings. In fact, the latest score dropped 13 points from November 2025’s “very high” +36, and falls well below the 2025 average of +39.
The March 2026 result also marks the lowest optimism level in years, with SWS noting it hasn’t been this low since September 2020, when optimism nearly flatlined at +2 during the height of pandemic uncertainty.
The findings suggest that while many Filipinos remain hopeful, there’s a growing sense of caution about what lies ahead—possibly shaped by ongoing economic pressures and everyday challenges.
The survey, conducted from March 24 to 31, covered 1,500 adults nationwide through face-to-face interviews. Respondents were evenly distributed across key regions, including Metro Manila, the Visayas, Mindanao, and the rest of Luzon. The results carry a margin of error of ±3% for national estimates.
SWS noted that the survey was not commissioned and was released as part of its public service, offering a snapshot of how Filipinos view their future in an evolving economic landscape.
From these figures, SWS recorded a Net Personal Optimism score of +23—still considered “high,” but noticeably lower compared to previous readings. In fact, the latest score dropped 13 points from November 2025’s “very high” +36, and falls well below the 2025 average of +39.
The March 2026 result also marks the lowest optimism level in years, with SWS noting it hasn’t been this low since September 2020, when optimism nearly flatlined at +2 during the height of pandemic uncertainty.
The findings suggest that while many Filipinos remain hopeful, there’s a growing sense of caution about what lies ahead—possibly shaped by ongoing economic pressures and everyday challenges.
The survey, conducted from March 24 to 31, covered 1,500 adults nationwide through face-to-face interviews. Respondents were evenly distributed across key regions, including Metro Manila, the Visayas, Mindanao, and the rest of Luzon. The results carry a margin of error of ±3% for national estimates.
SWS noted that the survey was not commissioned and was released as part of its public service, offering a snapshot of how Filipinos view their future in an evolving economic landscape.
May 6, 2026
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