EDITORIAL - Hope in the New Year

The last time levels of hope among Filipinos hit an all-time high of 95 percent in a survey was in December 2002. This Christmas season the record was matched, as 95 percent of respondents in a nationwide survey said they were entering 2012 with hope. The survey was taken in early December by Social Weather Stations Inc., which also conducted a similar survey during the Christmas season in 2002.

Even in the worst of times, when nature’s fury has claimed lives and destroyed homes and means of livelihood, hope springs eternal for the typical Filipino. We laugh even in misery, and we are hopeful that life will be better particularly at the dawn of a new year. Those high percentages in the annual yearend surveys taken by SWS on hopefulness are in keeping with Filipino nature.

Hope levels have dropped since SWS started conducting such surveys in 2000. The lowest – 81 percent – was recorded in 2004, an election year when political turbulence signaled uncertainty in many aspects of life. The number recovered by a few percentage points the next year, and gradually went up, going beyond 90 percent again in December 2010.

Last night, despite repeated warnings by authorities, Filipinos greeted 2012 with dazzling fireworks and powerful firecrackers. The traditional merriment was meant to drive away bad spirits and attract good luck. Business was also brisk for vendors who sold round fruits, responding to a demand fueled by the belief that the fruits could bring good luck in the coming year. Families gathered for feasts, or simply to celebrate togetherness as they hope for a better year. Even amid grievous devastation and deep tragedy, there is reason to hope.

A joyous, prosperous New Year to all!