Filipino optimism about PH hits all-time low

OPTIMISM of Filipinos in the second quarter of 2024 fell to its lowest level in two years, a survey by independent pollster Publicus Asia shows.

In Publicus’ second quarter study conducted from June 15 to 19, 2024, positive perceptions about the country’s current state and direction hit an all-time low.

According to the survey, 38 percent were positive about the country’s current state, and 54 percent were optimistic about its direction, with a “significant portion of Filipinos feeling uncertain about the nation’s standing.”

“Overall positive sentiments about the country’s trajectory have dropped from 71 percent in Q4 2022 to 54 percent in Q2 2024. But, positive sentiment is still higher than the negative, which increased from 29 to 46 percent in the same period; the near-equal balance indicates a growing polarization in views about the country’s future,” Publicus Asia said in a statement on Friday.

The same survey also revealed a “significant shift” in the Philippine political landscape, showing that 43 percent of Filipinos were undecided about their support for the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while 52 percent were neutral to the opposition.

Meanwhile, the economic outlook showed a “slight improvement” from the first quarter, with 58 percent expressing optimism for the national economy in the second quarter, compared to 53 percent in the first quarter of 2024. In addition, 68 percent expressed a positive view of the country’s household financial prospects.

Pinoys still happy

However, the same survey revealed that despite the political and economic uncertainties in the country, 73 percent of Filipinos reported being happy with their lives overall, with 53 percent describing themselves as “somewhat happy,” 40 percent believed they were “only a few steps away from achieving their best possible life,” while 20 percent feel like they were “already near the top.”

“This positive outlook on personal happiness is likely bolstered by the Filipinos’ resilience,” the survey said.

Also, the study revealed that Filipinos’ personal goals for happiness were financial security (52 percent), affording basic necessities (28 percent) and residing in a peaceful community (27 percent).

The Pahayag 2024 Second Quarter conducted by Publicus Asia sampled 1,507 respondents drawn from the market research panel of over 200,000 registered Filipino voters maintained by the Singapore office of US-based marketing research firm PureSpectrum.