A significant majority of adult Filipinos believe their quality of life has deteriorated over the past year, marking a sharp decline in national sentiment, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey for the first quarter of 2026.
The nationwide poll, conducted from March 24 to 31, revealed that 50 percent of respondents felt their living conditions worsened. In contrast, 26 percent reported no change, while only 23 percent saw an improvement.
RECORD-LOW SENTIMENT
The survey resulted in a Net Gainers score of -26, a steep 19-point drop from the -7 recorded in November 2025. This figure represents the lowest level of public optimism documented in more than four years.
As a result, SWS has classified the current public mood as “low,” indicating a widespread decline in perceived personal well-being.
REGIONAL AND GEOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN
The downturn was felt across all major geographical areas, with urban centers bearing the brunt of the shift:
- Metro Manila & Mindanao: Posted the lowest scores at -31.
- Visayas: Recorded a score of -25.
- Balance Luzon: Followed at -23.
The divide between urban and rural sentiment also widened significantly. Urban areas saw a dramatic plunge to -32 from a previous -10, while rural areas dipped to -18 from -3.
YOUTH SENTIMENT REVERSAL
One of the most striking findings of the March 2026 round was the sentiment among the Filipino youth. Respondents aged 18 to 24 experienced the sharpest reversal, shifting from a buoyant +31 in late 2025 to a negative -4. While all age brackets recorded declines, the younger demographic showed the most volatile shift in outlook.
The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults nationwide from March 24 to 31, using standard SWS sampling and weighting procedures.