Filipinos' New Year hope drops to 16-year low at 89% — SWSA girl holds a sparkler during New Year celebrations in Makati, Metro Manila, on January 1, 2026. The SWS survey conducted from November 24 to 30 found 89% of adult Filipinos entering the New Year with hope, down one percentage point from 90% in 2024 and seven points from 96% in 2023. Christmas expectations linked to New Year outlookFilipinos who expected a happy Christmas were more likely to enter the New Year with hope. A separate SWS survey released December 24 found 68% of Filipinos expecting a happy Christmas, up from 65% in 2024. Hope fell most sharply among college graduates, down 5 points from 96% in 2024, and elementary graduates, down 3 points from 89%.

Source: Philippine Star January 01, 2026 14:15 UTC