Nearly half of adult Filipinos, or 44 percent, say they expect their quality of life to get better in 2026, according to a Social Weather Stations survey.
Eight percent of respondents said they anticipate a decline in their living conditions, while 38 percent expect no change.
The survey recorded a “very high” net personal optimism score of +36, slightly up from +35 in September 2025.
Among regions, Balanced Luzon registered the highest net optimism at +40, followed by Metro Manila at +36, Mindanao at +35, and Visayas at +29.
Women reported higher optimism at +39 compared to men at +34, and younger adults showed stronger confidence than older age groups.
Filipinos with senior high school and college education were the most optimistic at +44, while elementary and junior high graduates had lower scores of +31 and +33.
Respondents were asked in Filipino: “In your opinion, what will be the quality of your life in the coming 12 months? Would you say that your quality of life will be better, will be the same, or will be worse?”