MANILA, Philippines -- Despite the dim economic prospects, nine out of 10 Filipinos are entering the new year with hope, rather than with fear, according to results of an independent survey released Monday.

A total of 1,500 respondents nationwide were asked how they were welcoming 2009, 92 percent said they would usher in the new year "with hope," while only eight percent said "with fear," the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said.

This year's results were similar to 2006 and 2007, wherein 91 percent said they were welcoming the coming year with hope, the SWS said.

"We have much to be hopeful about and grateful for, we have triumphed over the difficulties of this year, from which we take away many valuable lessons that strengthen and make us more prepared for the challenges that lie ahead," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said in a statement.

"We are a country of strong, hardworking and kind people and hope springs eternal in the Filipino heart," she said.

The study was conducted from November 28 to December 1. It had a margin of error of 2.5 percent.