Survey shows growing worry over quality of life in 2025
Filipinos who say their quality of life worsened over the past year continued to rise, according to the latest fourth-quarter survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS). The trend indicates a growing public concern about economic and social conditions as the country moves through 2025. While the precise share in December isn’t stated here, the report notes a continued increase from 32 percent in September, signaling that more households feel the challenges of daily life are intensifying.
What the numbers suggest about public sentiment
The SWS findings reflect how macroeconomic factors—such as inflation, cost of living, and job security—can influence how people assess their personal well-being. When a sizable portion of the population perceives a decline in their quality of life, it often translates into broader concerns about wages, access to essential services, and overall economic stability. The fourth-quarter results reinforce that this is not a temporary mood shift, but a sustained perception among a growing segment of Filipinos.
Context and possible drivers
Analysts point to several potential drivers behind the trend: pressures from rising prices for food and housing, fluctuations in employment opportunities, and the ongoing effects of global markets on the Philippine economy. Public sentiment can also reflect responses to policy changes, social issues, and regional disparities that affect daily living costs in different communities across the country.
What this means for policymakers and communities
For policymakers, the data underscores the importance of addressing frontline concerns—especially those related to affordability and income security. Social Weather Stations’ results can inform programs aimed at stabilizing prices, supporting wage growth, and expanding access to essential services like healthcare and education. Community leaders and civil society organizations may interpret the trend as a call to strengthen local safety nets and tailor relief efforts to areas most affected by economic pressures.
Looking ahead: monitoring trends in 2026
As the Philippines moves further into 2026, observers will be watching whether the perception of worsening quality of life persists or improves in response to government interventions, market recovery, and structural reforms. Regular tracking by SWS and other research groups will be crucial in assessing whether policy measures translate into tangible relief for households across the country.
About the source
The Social Weather Stations is a respected polling and research organization in the Philippines known for its regular surveys on public opinion and social conditions. Their quarterly updates offer insight into how everyday Filipinos are faring and what factors most influence their sense of well-being.
