Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 20) — Economic concerns are still the biggest worry of Filipinos, according to an end-of-year survey by Publicus Asia Inc.
The independent and non-commissioned \”PAHAYAG\” survey conducted from Nov. 29 to Dec. 4 showed economy and inflation are the top concerns on the macroscale for the majority 15% of respondents.
Earlier this month, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the inflation rate continued its slowdown, dropping to 4.1% in November from 4.9% the month before. This brings the average inflation from January to November to 6.2%, still outside the government’s target range of 2% to 4%.
Publicus Asia said corruption and poverty are the next top concerns for Filipinos at 12% and 9%, respectively.
\”Notably, Corruption is least concerning to those with No Formal Education at 5%, while Poverty resonates strongly with the 18-24 age group, registering a 17% concern,\” the Manila-based political consultancy firm wrote in a release on Wednesday.
Results also showed that education, agriculture, and wages are also pressing issues among the public, garnering 6% each.
At the micro-level, Publicus Asia found that difficulty in finding employment is the biggest concern with 14%.
Affordability of basic needs and the fear of unemployment came next at 12%.
The fear of not receiving adequate pay got 11%, \”resonating strongly with the 25-29 age group (18%) and government workers (17%),\” the firm added.
The survey further found that 9 out of 10 respondents worry about crimes and the use of illegal drugs in their communities.
