9 in 10 Filipinos hopeful about 2015 – Pulse Asia

MANILA, Philippines – It’s been a tough year for the Philippines in many aspects, but a big majority of Filipinos are still hopeful about 2015, according to the November 2014 “Ulat ng Bayan” (Report of the Nation) survey conducted by Pulse Asia.

Released Monday, December 15, the survey conducted among 1,200 adults (18 years old and above) showed that 88% or nearly 9 in 10 Filipinos expressed hope in facing the coming year despite the political and economic challenges that plagued the country.

This is the predominant sentiment in all geographic area sand socio-economic classes, according to Pulse Asia. Only 1% of Filipinos say they would face the next year without hope. The rest or 11% of the respondents had mixed feelings about 2015. 

A 2013 survey by another polling firm, Social Weather Stations, showed that most Filipinos were also hopeful as they welcomed 2014. (READ: 94% of Filipinos welcome 2014 with hope)

This year saw a slowing down of the country’s economy during the latter part of the year. Political scandals also dominated the media limelight, particularly President Benigno Aquino III’s word war with the Supreme Court over his spending program that was declared partially unconstitutional, and the ongoing investigation into corruption allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay. 

Despite the optimistic numbers, most Filipinos (52%) say they do not expect to have a different celebration of the holiday season as the year ends.

This is the view of majority in Metro Manila (51%), Mindanao (51%), and the rest of Luzon (55%), and people from classes D (53%) and E (51%). Filipinos from the Visayas (46%) and classes A, B, and C (44%) either share this sentiment or expect a more prosperous celebration (41% in Visayas, 47% among those in classes A, B, and C).

Meanwhile, more Filipinos (34%) see a more prosperous Christmas and New Year celebration with their families compared to last year (22%). The percentage of Filipinos with this sentiment has increased in general, and also in Metro Manila, Visayas, and those from classes A, B, C, and D.

About 14% expect a poorer holiday season for their families. The percentage of Filipinos who shares this view has declined in the past year at the national level, as well as in the Visayas and class D. – Rappler.com