Filipinos positive 2020 will be better

The coming year will be better, 96% of Filipino adults believe, according to a survey. (myoldtownusa.com photo)

Ninety six percent of Filipino adults will face 2020 with renewed hope, underscoring the significant strides made by the government to implement difficult but game-changing reforms to bring a more comfortable life for Filipinos.

The Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted 13 to 16 December was similar to another survey that indicated practically all Filipinos are welcoming the new year with a positive outlook.

“There are indeed reasons to be confident in the new year under the leadership and administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” said Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a statement on Monday.

The SWS survey said 96% of Filipinos are hopeful that 2020 will be better, 4 points up from the 92% in 2018 and tied the record-high level first achieved in 2017. The remaining 4% expressed “fear.”

The four-point rise in the overall New Year hope from 2017 to 2019 was due to increases in all areas except in Mindanao–a record-high 99% in Balance Luzon, 97% in Visayas, 96% in Metro Manila and 90% in Mindanao.

Ninety six percent of Filipino adults are entering 2020 with hope rather than with fear, according to the fourth quarter 2019 Social Weather Survey conducted 13 to 16 December 2019.Panelo cited the country’s credit rating of BBB+ (medium quality) rating, the Board of Investments breaching its P1-trillion 2019 investment target as of October 2019, fewer poor Filipinos with almost six milllion lifted out from poverty and employment hitting a 14-year high as among the highlights of 2019, economy-wise.

The successful hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, despite earlier but expected glitches, near the end of 2019 and a subsequent overall championship with a record-breaking 149 gold medals also contributed to the Filipinos’ happy disposition.

The Palace encouraged Filipinos to continuously support and believe in the Duterte administration.

“As we wish each Filipino a happy, peaceful and successful 2020, we assure everyone that the best is yet to come,” Panelo’s statement read. “Let us continue to rally behind the Duterte Administration as the Chief Executive does his best in serving and protecting the Filipino people, as well as delivering genuine and meaningful change to our nation.”