Palace vows to keep Pinoys’ optimism alive

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino will work hard up to the last day of his term in June to keep alive the Filipinos’ optimism for a better life in the future, according to Malacañang.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said he and his colleagues would continue to work hard to uplift the lives of the people, as he also welcomed the results of a survey showing a high level of optimism among Filipinos.

“We acknowledge the high level of optimism expressed by a great majority of our people in two year-end surveys conducted by the Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia,” he said earlier this week.

“The administration will intensify its efforts in implementing vital programs that would broaden the scope of social welfare and protection, generate employment and livelihood opportunities for our countrymen, and sustain the gains of the economy,” Coloma added.

A Pulse Asia survey showed that a majority or 89 percent of its 1,800 respondents were ready to welcome the New Year “with hope.”

“Hope is the predominant sentiment among Filipinos as far as the year 2016 is concerned,” the survey, conducted from Dec. 4 to 11, showed.

The sentiment is shared by most Filipinos across geographic areas with 85 percent to 95 percent, and socio-economic classes with 86 percent to 92 percent.

The respondents were registered voters aged 18 years old and above, and the survey had a two percent margin of error.

Coloma reminded the public that throughout his  administration, Aquino has governed with sincerity, commitment and transparency.

His vision for the country is carried out through the program, “A Social Contract with the Filipino People,” Coloma said.

According to the Palace spokesman, Aquino himself acknowledges his obligations and commitment to the Filipino people – to uplift their lives and give them a better future.

He likewise noted that the survey results show the Filipinos’ acknowledgement of Aquino’s efforts to fulfill what he had promised when he assumed office in 2010.