Davao Survey: Science and Education Agencies Lead in Public Trust
A recent survey conducted by the University of Mindanao – Institute of Popular Opinion (UM-IPO) has unveiled that residents of Davao City place the highest levels of trust in government agencies focused on science, education, and technology. In contrast, departments handling infrastructure, finance, and justice are met with significant skepticism and lower confidence ratings.
Survey Methodology and Key Findings
The online survey was carried out from January 9 to 26, 2026, gathering responses from 1,200 residents across the city's three districts. Participants were asked to rate their trust in selected national government agencies using categories such as much trust, little trust, no trust, or undecided. The survey utilized Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram ads to target residents aged 18 and older, achieving a 95 percent confidence level with a 5 percent margin of error.
Top-Ranked Agencies: High Trust in Science and Education
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) emerged as the top-ranked agency, boasting a net trust rating of 41.3 percent and a combined trust score of 87 percent. Following closely, the Department of Education (DepEd) secured a net trust rating of 37 percent, while the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) recorded 36.9 percent. The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) completed the top five with net trust ratings of 34.8 percent and 30.5 percent, respectively.
Many residents attributed their trust to the visible and impactful programs run by these agencies. Pam Lao, a 25-year-old public school teacher from Catalunan Pequeño, commented, I see how DepEd and DOST programs benefit students and small innovators. Their projects are easier to appreciate because they directly affect education and technology in our daily lives.
Mid-Tier Agencies: Moderate Trust with Room for Improvement
Agencies such as the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) fell into the middle tier of trust ratings. While these departments received moderate net trust scores, many respondents expressed uncertainty or limited awareness regarding their specific initiatives and operations.
Ramon Castillo, a 33-year-old travel agent, noted, I think agencies like the DA and DENR play an important role. But if their programs were more transparent and enforced fairly, people would have more confidence.
Lower-Ranked Agencies: Distrust in Infrastructure and Finance
At the bottom of the rankings, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recorded a negative net trust rating of minus 13.1 percent, placing it 16th and reflecting widespread public distrust. The Department of Justice (DOJ) scored a neutral 0 percent, while the Department of Finance (DOF) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) registered low ratings of 4.4 percent.
Patrix Ibero Cruz, a 25-year-old student-engineer from Jose Maria College, emphasized, Citizens expect transparency and efficiency, especially for projects like flood control. Delays or mismanagement by DPWH can quickly erode public trust—and in these cases, it's people's safety at stake.
Conclusion: Evolving Expectations for Government Trust
The survey underscores that Dabawenyos' trust in government institutions is heavily influenced by factors such as visible outcomes, transparency, and consistent public engagement. As residents increasingly demand accountability and effective service delivery, these elements remain critical drivers of institutional confidence and public satisfaction.
