SWS: 2005 a year of great trials

The year 2005 was not a very good one for Filipinos, according to the Social Weather Stations (SWS)’ fifth Annual Survey Review presented at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in Makati City yesterday.

In summarizing the events of the year, SWS president Mahar Mangahas cited the good and bad things that happened in the country during the past year.

"In 2005, the general state of economic well-being was quite bad, with hunger, unemployment and economic pessimism reaching record levels," the SWS said in its media release. "Such unfavorable statistics indicate that the GNP is mal-distributed and thus its mere growth, unless high and sustained for a long period, does not relieve the severe economic stress among the people."

Among other findings of the 2006 survey were: continued negative public satisfaction with the Arroyo administration; crime victimization and the people’s fear of dangers in the neighborhood; public worries about possible terrorist attacks; the decline in enthusiasm about US military help; and the political crisis of 2005 which stemmed from questions about the conduct of the May 2004 election.

On the bright side, however, SWS surveys showed that "private enterprises are growing more enthusiastic about participating in the fight against corruption, including funding private anti-corruption programs from their incomes."

Satisfaction with life, happiness and expectations of a happy Christmas also prevailed in 2005.

"Four of every five have hope (rather than fear) in greeting the New Year, and feel very proud to be Filipino, showing Filipinos’ morale and equanimity, despite everything, to be indestructible," the SWS said.

"Pride in being Filipino is very high and impervious to economic downtrends, political crisis and security concerns," Mangahas added.

The SWS presented its 2005 survey review to representatives of various sectors, the media and a panel of reactors, including STAR columnist Alex Magno, lawyer Ricardo Puno, Prof. Victor Lim of AIM and Dr. Federico Macaranas, executive director of the AIM-Policy Center.

For over 20 years now, SWS surveys have served as mirrors of Filipino sentiment on serious political issues. The survey firm also helps determine how Filipinos are truly faring in terms of living conditions and the key aspects of the quality of life.

Since 2001, SWS has also been releasing summaries of public opinion on events of the previous year.

SWS surveys are open for public viewing at the SWS Survey Data Library. The 2006 SWS survey is also available in CD-ROM.