As 2026 begins, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (Department of Social Welfare and Development) has reiterated its commitment to supporting the Marcos administration’s goal of improving the quality of life of Filipinos.
“We remain committed to strengthening social protection programs, expanding poverty alleviation services, and enhancing community resilience to ensure improved well-being for all Filipino families,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said on Wednesday, December 31.
The statement followed the release of the latest Social Weather Stations survey, which showed that 29 percent of Filipino adults said their quality of life improved, 36 percent said it worsened, and 34 percent said it remained the same. This resulted in a Net Gainers score of –7, which SWS classified as “fair.”
The November survey noted that the decline was driven by decreases in most areas of the country. Mindanao recorded the highest Net Gainers score at +2, classified as “high,” while Balance Luzon registered –7, or “fair.” Metro Manila and the Visayas both fell to “mediocre” levels, posting –12 and –14, respectively.
Overall, 44 percent of adult Filipinos said they are optimistic that their quality of life will improve in the next 12 months, according to the survey.
In support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for a more transparent and people-oriented budget, Dumlao said the DSWD, under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, will ensure the judicious and effective use of public funds once the 2026 budget is signed into law.
She said the ongoing review of the ratified 2026 General Appropriations Act is a necessary step to ensure accountability and effective spending.
“The DSWD will support the Marcos administration's call to responsibly use the funds through prudent spending, execution of strong accountability measures, and implementation of social welfare and development programs that will help advance inclusive growth, protect the most vulnerable, and deliver meaningful improvements to the marginalized sector,” Dumlao said.
The SWS survey was conducted nationwide through face-to-face interviews from November 24 to 30 among 1,200 adults aged 18 and above, with 300 respondents each from Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
According to SWS, the sampling error margins are ±3 percent for national figures and ±6 percent for each major area.