As the festive lights go up across Davao City, its residents are embracing the Christmas spirit with a powerful sense of optimism for their home's future. A recent survey reveals that the prevailing sentiment among Dabawenyos is one of hope, deeply rooted in the community's cherished values of peace, safety, and shared progress.
Survey Reveals Widespread Optimism Among Residents
The University of Mindanao–Institute of Popular Opinion (UM-IPO) released the findings of its annual Christmas survey this week, capturing the hopes and aspirations of the city's people. The data shows a community looking forward with confidence. Approximately 76.1% of Dabawenyos stated they feel hopeful for Davao City this holiday season. A smaller proportion, 22.4%, reported feeling uncertain.
When asked what fuels this optimism, the answers were clear. Nearly half of the respondents (47.2%) pointed directly to the city's peace and safety as their primary source of hope. This was followed by family, relationships, and personal blessings, cited by 22.4% of those surveyed. Others highlighted economic opportunities and livelihood (7.5%) and the city's clean, orderly, and festive environment (6.5%).
Voices from the Community: Safety, Balance, and Unity
The survey's statistical narrative is given life by the voices of everyday Dabawenyos. Liza C. Hernandez, a 34-year-old resident of Barangay Buhangin, shared her wish for a city that grows even safer and more filled with opportunity. "The city’s relatively stable peace and order situation gives me confidence that families can celebrate Christmas without fear," Hernandez explained.
A 42-year-old small business owner from Barangay Talomo emphasized the need for balanced progress. "I wish for the city to continue flourishing as a model city that balances progress with its unique identity," he said, hoping development benefits both businesses and ordinary residents.
Echoing a common theme, a 21-year-old college student from Barangay Agdao, who preferred to remain anonymous, highlighted the city's core strengths. "I would love to see Davao City continuing its legacy as the safest and cleanest city, with people who are disciplined and united," she stated.
Beyond Festive Wishes: Concrete Expectations for Governance
While the Christmas spirit inspires hope, Dabawenyos also have clear, practical expectations for their city's leadership in the coming year. The survey identified several key areas where residents desire continued improvement:
- Peace and Safety: Sustaining peaceful communities was the top priority for 65.08% of respondents.
- Traffic and Transportation: More than half (54.27%) expressed a strong desire for better systems to ease congestion.
- Healthcare Access: A significant 41.71% longed for healthier communities and more accessible, affordable medical services.
- Livelihood and Economy: More economic opportunities were a wish for 34.92% of those surveyed.
- Youth and Education: Support in these areas was highlighted by 25.88% of respondents.
Many also called for enhanced disaster risk management and development approaches that remain sensitive to vulnerable communities.
Overwhelming Confidence in City Government
Perhaps the most striking finding is the level of trust residents place in their local leaders to address these concerns. An overwhelming 93.7% of respondents expressed confidence that the Davao City government can fulfill their hopes and expectations. Only a small minority, 6.3%, reported having no confidence at all.
The survey, which carries a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error, was conducted online from November 26 to December 12, 2025. It involved 1,200 respondents from across the city's three districts, recruited via sponsored ads on Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram targeting residents aged 18 and above.
Overall, the message from Dabawenyos is unified and clear. As the city celebrates Christmas, its people envision a future where peace and unity remain the bedrock for sustainable growth, ensuring a better tomorrow for every resident.
