Nearly nine out of ten Filipinos (89%) will welcome 2026 with optimism, according to Social Weather Stations (SWS). However, this is the lowest level of optimism in 16 years, equal to that recorded in 2009.
From 96% in 2023, optimism dropped to 90% in 2024 and now 89%. Meanwhile, the percentage of Filipinos entering the new year with anxiety rose to 11%, the highest since 2009.
The survey also showed that there is a correlation between Christmas expectations and outlook for the new year. Of those expecting a happy Christmas, 92% are hopeful for 2026, compared to 83% of those expecting a neutral and 79% of those expecting a sad Christmas.
In terms of regions, the highest confidence in Balance Luzon (92%), followed by Metro Manila (90%), Visayas (85%), and Mindanao (84%). The biggest declines were recorded in Mindanao (-5 points) and Visayas (-2 points).
By education level, the highest expectations were among those with some senior high school (93%) and college graduates (91%), while the lowest were among who did not complete elementary school (81%). The survey was conducted November 24–30 among 1,200 adults, with ±3% margin of error.
