Palace hails Filipinos’ optimism ahead of 2016, cites admin efforts

Malacañang on Tuesday welcomed the results of recent surveys showing increased optimism of Filipinos ahead of the New Year.

“We acknowledge the high level of optimism expressed by a great majority of our people year-end surveys. The Aquino administration will intensify its efforts in implementing vital programs that would broaden the scope of social welfare and protection, generate employment and livelihood opportunities for our countrymen, and sustain the gains of the economy during the past five years,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma told reporters in a press briefing.

A Pulse Asia survey showed majority of Filipinos (89 percent) are welcoming 2016 with hope.

READ: 89% of Filipinos welcome 2016 with hope—Pulse Asia

Coloma said he was hoping that the Filipino people would persevere in “securing the gains” of the Aquino administration.

“The President often refers to the importance of a transformation or change in mindset among our people, that whereas before many of our people were resigned to hopelessness or despair, it is now palpable and evident that more of our people are hopeful and optimistic about the future; what was deemed to be impossible is now deemed possible, and there is an overall upbeat mood that would be a good augury for the future of our country,” he said.

Asked if the leadership of President Aquino has something to do with the increased optimism, Coloma said the administration’s efforts to ensure a transparent and honest government paved the way for Filipinos’ increased confidence.

“Sa buong panunungkulan ng ating Pangulo ang kanyang palaging binibigyang diin ay ‘yung kahalagahan ng pagiging tapat at mapagkakatiwalaan ng ating mga Boss kaya nga’t ang kanyang programa ay pinamagatang ‘A Social Contract with the Filipino people.’

“Kinikilala niya ‘yung kanyang tungkulin at commitment sa ating mga mamamayan na iahon ang kanilang kalagayan, bigyan sila ng mas magandang kinabukasan, magkaroon sila ng makabuluhang oportunidad at dahil nakita ng mga mamamayan na ginawa niya ang kanyang makakaya, ginawa niya ang lahat para matupad ang mga ipinangako,” Coloma said.

“At dahil din sa ipinakita niyang determinasyon ng pamahalaan na maging transparent, hayag at tapat ang paglilingkod, sa aking palagay ito ang mga elemento na nagpalakas sa kanilang kumpiyansa, ‘yung tinatawag nating recognition of the President’s personal integrity at commitment as a leader. Iyan ‘yung nagpatibay ng pagtitiwala ng mga mamamayan,” he added.