A recent nationwide survey reveals that Filipinos entered 2026 with a significantly diminished sense of hope, marking the lowest level of New Year optimism recorded in 16 years. The Social Weather Stations (SWS) study, conducted from November 24 to 30, 2025, and released on December 31, found that while a majority remain hopeful, the overall figure has continued a worrying decline.
Nationwide Decline in Optimism
The survey's key finding shows that 89% of adult Filipinos stepped into the New Year with hope. However, this positive outlook is tempered by the 11% who entered 2026 with fear or anxiety. This 89% rating represents a clear downward trend, falling from 90% in 2024 and a much higher 96% in 2023. Critically, this is the lowest hope level recorded since 2009, indicating a potential shift in the national mood.
Regional Variations and Significant Drops
The decline was not uniform across the archipelago. The Visayas region saw hope dip to 85%, a two-point decrease from 87% in 2024. A more pronounced drop occurred in Mindanao, where optimism fell by five points, from 89% to 84%.
In contrast, areas in Luzon reported higher and more stable figures. Balance Luzon maintained the highest hope level at 92%, while Metro Manila recorded 90%. Both regions showed minimal change compared to the previous year's survey results.
Education Level Analysis
The survey also analyzed hope levels based on educational attainment, revealing declines across almost all groups. The most educated Filipinos showed a notable dip: hope among college graduates fell to 91% from 96% the previous year. Similarly, optimism among elementary graduates decreased to 86% from 89%.
The hope levels for senior high school and junior high school graduates remained steady, showing no significant change. This pattern suggests that while higher education generally correlates with greater optimism, that confidence has recently wavered.
Survey Methodology and Implications
The SWS survey gathered its data through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults across the country. The sample was distributed with 300 respondents each from Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, ensuring a representative geographic spread.
The consistent decline in New Year hope over recent years, culminating in this 16-year low, presents a significant snapshot of the Filipino psyche. It raises important questions about the underlying economic, social, or political factors that may be influencing public sentiment as the nation moves forward into 2026.
