QUEZON CITY (PIA) — A recent Social Weather Survey (SWS) conducted from September 14-23, 2024, reveals that Filipino optimism about their quality of life remains robust, despite ongoing economic challenges.
The survey found that 47% of adult Filipinos believe their quality of life will improve in the next 12 months, earning them the label of “Optimists” by SWS. This optimism is reflected in the Net Personal Optimism score, which stands at a remarkable +42, classified as “excellent” by SWS.
This positive outlook is consistent with previous surveys, with the September 2024 score mirroring the excellent +41 recorded in June 2024.
The survey question on personal quality of life predictions has been fielded 154 times since 1984, with Net Personal Optimism dipping into negative territory only 11 times. Notably, the score reached a historic low of -19 in May 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, but has since rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.
While national optimism remains high, the survey reveals regional variations in sentiment. While Metro Manila and Balance Luzon (Luzon outside of Metro Manila) maintain excellent Net Personal Optimism scores, the Visayas saw a slight increase from “high” to “very high,” while Mindanao experienced a slight decrease from “very high” to “very high.”
The survey also explores the relationship between education level and personal optimism. College graduates, junior high school graduates, and elementary graduates all demonstrate excellent Net Personal Optimism scores. Non-elementary graduates exhibit very high levels of optimism.
The survey further delves into the connection between personal optimism and perceived changes in quality of life. Those who reported an improvement in their quality of life over the past year (“Gainers”) exhibited significantly higher Net Personal Optimism scores compared to those who reported no change (“Unchanged”) or a decline (“Losers”). This pattern has consistently held true in surveys conducted from 2019 to 2024.
The survey also examines the relationship between self-rated economic status and personal optimism. While those who categorize themselves as “Poor” exhibit very high levels of optimism, those who identify as “Not Poor” and “Borderline” demonstrate even higher levels of optimism, reaching excellent levels. (PIA)
