More Pinoys hopeful for better economy, quality of life

MANILA, Philippines — Although still less than a majority, optimism for a better economy and personal quality of life have both increased at the end of 2023, according to a survey conducted by the OCTA Research group.

Results of the Dec. 10 to 14 survey released yesterday found that 38 percent of the respondents expect a better Philippine economy in the next six months.

It was up nine points from the 27 percent obtained in a similar survey conducted in October, although it was still below the 46 percent and 50 percent in July and March, respectively.

Pessimism, meanwhile, dropped from 14 percent in October to eight percent in December. It was only six percent in the March and July 2023 surveys.

Across areas, optimism for a better economy was highest among those in the Visayas at 53 percent, followed by those in Metro Manila at 45 percent, Mindanao at 36 percent and the rest of Luzon at 30 percent.

Those who expect the economy to worsen was at 13 percent in Mindanao, eight percent in the Visayas, seven percent in balance Luzon and six percent in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, those who expect a better quality of life in the next six months increased from 34 percent in October 2023 to 49 percent in December 2023.

However, it was still below the 54 percent and 55 percent obtained in the March and July 2023 surveys, respectively.

According to OCTA, optimism for a better quality of life was highest among respondents in the Visayas at 58 percent, followed by those in Metro Manila at 54 percent, rest of Luzon at 49 percent and Mindanao at 40 percent.

Pessimism for a better quality of life among those in Mindanao was at 10 percent, followed by those in Metro Manila at three percent, the Visayas at two percent and the rest of Luzon at one percent.