MANILA, Philippines — Public confidence in the Philippine economy has bounced back following a steep decline earlier this year, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from June 20 to 29.
The study, released on Monday, September 21, revealed that 33% of adult Filipinos anticipate economic conditions to improve over the coming 12 months, compared to 24% who expect a downturn. Meanwhile, 32% believe the economy will remain unchanged, and 11% offered no response.
This resulted in a Net Economic Optimism score of +10, which SWS categorizes as “fair.”
“The latest Net Economic Optimism score is a 24-point rebound from the low –14 in March 2026,” SWS said.
The polling firm pointed out that the March result marked the first negative net score since face-to-face polling resumed in November 2020, as well as the lowest level recorded since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-2020.
The improvement was reflected across all major geographical areas, led by Balance Luzon and the Visayas.
“As of June 2026, Net Economic Optimism was highest in Balance Luzon (or Luzon outside Metro Manila) (fair +18), followed by the Visayas (mediocre +6), Mindanao (mediocre +4), and Metro Manila (mediocre –6),” SWS said.
Balance Luzon registered a 31-point increase from -13 in March, while the Visayas improved by 22 points from -16. Mindanao rose by 12 points from -8, and Metro Manila climbed 24 points from -30, though the National Capital Region remained the sole region with a net negative score.
Optimism also grew across all educational attainment levels, led by respondents with non-elementary education. Individuals with little to no formal schooling posted a “high” score of +20.
Elementary graduates and junior high school graduates both registered “fair” ratings at +12 and +10, respectively.
Conversely, college graduates and post-graduates recorded a “mediocre” score of -7, remaining the only educational bracket in negative territory.
Compared to the previous quarter, scores rose by 28 points among junior high school graduates (from -18) and college graduates (from -35). Elementary graduates saw a 19-point rise (from -7), while non-elementary graduates gained 18 points (from +2).
“As in March 2026, Net Economic Optimism in June 2026 continues to be highest among the least educated and lowest among college graduates and post-graduates — a reversal of the usual pattern observed for most of 2023 and 2024, when college graduates were consistently the most optimistic group,” SWS said.
The Second Quarter 2026 SWS survey was administered through face-to-face interviews among 1,200 adults nationwide, with 300 participants sampled from each of the four main geographical divisions.
The national results carry a margin of error of ±3%, while regional breakdowns carry a ±6% margin.