According to a recent study conducted by OCTA Research, Filipinos are expressing their dissatisfaction with the government’s performance in managing inflation and reducing poverty. However, the survey also reveals that the majority of Filipinos are satisfied with other state services.
The Tugon ng Masa survey, conducted from December 10 to 14 last year, found that at least eight out of ten Filipinos surveyed expressed satisfaction with various government programs. These programs include building infrastructure, responding to natural disasters, protecting the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), providing quality and affordable healthcare, offering quality primary, secondary, tertiary, and technical-vocational education, and improving foreign relations.
Unfortunately, when it comes to reducing poverty and controlling inflation, the respondents were least satisfied. The satisfaction ratings for these areas were at a meager 14 percent and 6 percent, respectively. Other programs that ranked among the least satisfying for Filipinos include helping the poor, reducing taxes, fighting graft and corruption, reducing hunger, ensuring food security, and creating more jobs.
The survey also revealed that a significant number of Filipinos are dissatisfied with the government’s efforts in controlling inflation (75 percent), reducing poverty (46 percent), ensuring food security (32 percent), creating more jobs (31 percent), and fighting graft and corruption (26 percent).
Interestingly, the study found regional variations in the respondents’ satisfaction levels. While respondents in Balance Luzon expressed satisfaction with the national government’s performance in enforcing the law, stopping the spread of illegal drugs, helping the poor, reducing hunger, and ensuring food security, respondents in the Visayas regions were not satisfied with the government’s efforts in reducing taxes and ensuring food security.
Furthermore, the study also highlighted differences in satisfaction levels based on socioeconomic class. Respondents from socioeconomic class ABC expressed satisfaction with the government’s performance in helping the poor (65 percent) and creating more jobs (51 percent). On the other hand, respondents from Class E were satisfied with the government’s efforts in fighting criminality (68 percent).
It is important to note that the survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus or minus three percent.
These findings shed light on the sentiments of Filipinos regarding the government’s performance in key areas. While the majority of respondents expressed satisfaction with various state services, the dissatisfaction with efforts in managing inflation and reducing poverty is a cause for concern. The government should take these results into account and work towards addressing the concerns of the Filipino people.
Efforts must be made to implement effective strategies to combat inflation and reduce poverty. This may involve creating policies that stimulate economic growth, promote job creation, and provide support for the most vulnerable sectors of society. Additionally, measures to improve transparency, accountability, and governance should be prioritized to address the issues of graft and corruption that have been highlighted in the survey.
By understanding the specific areas where the government’s performance falls short, policymakers can develop targeted solutions to address the concerns of the Filipino people. It is crucial to ensure that the government’s efforts align with the needs and aspirations of the population, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and prosperous society.
In conclusion, the OCTA Research survey indicates that while Filipinos are generally satisfied with various state services, there is a significant level of dissatisfaction with the government’s performance in managing inflation and reducing poverty. These findings serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritize these areas and work towards implementing effective strategies to address the concerns of the Filipino people.
Source: The Manila Times
