9 in 10 Filipinos remain hopeful for 2015—Pulse Asia

MANILA, Philippines—Majority of Filipinos said they will face 2015 with hope, a survey from pollster Pulse Asia revealed on Monday.

In the November 2014 Ulat ng Bayan survey on the Holiday Season and the New Year, 88 percent of 1,200 respondents or 9 in 10 Filipinos said that they are looking forward to 2015 with hope.

The survey, which was conducted from November 14-20, showed that only one percent of respondents will face 2015 without hope and 11 percent are “ambivalent” on the matter.

The positive sentiment is being echoed across every geographic area and social class.

Yet, this cheery optimism on the New Year is countered by the perception of 52 percent of survey respondents who said that their Christmas celebration for this year is no different from last year’s.

Only 14 percent of respondents stated that they are poorer come Christmas time while 34 percent said that 2014 marks a more prosperous holiday season for their families.

Pulse Asia noted that between December 2013 to November 2014, there has been a 12 percent increase in the percentage of Filipinos who are looking forward to a more prosperous Christmas this year.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the Aquino government welcomes the results of the survey, lauding the positive traits of hope and optimism of Filipinos.

“Hope and optimism have always been characteristic of the Filipino people, who, throughout history, have consistently refused to give in to negativity, or to be cowed by challenges. The Aquino administration itself has been witness to this: we are a government borne of our people’s belief that the tide can turn in the Philippines; that good governance can replace an entrenched culture of corruption,” Lacierda said in a statement.

Lacierda added that the Aquino administration will continue implementing reforms “to honor the enduring optimism of our countrymen.”

RELATED STORY
This Christmas will be no different–survey