A recent survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) conducted in late March 2026 reveals that half of adult Filipinos nationwide believe their quality of life has worsened over the past year. This decline is the lowest recorded in over four years.
Survey Results
The survey, conducted from March 24 to 31, 2026, found that 50 percent of respondents said their quality of life deteriorated, 26 percent reported no change, and only 23 percent said it improved compared to the previous 12 months. As a result, the net gainer score dropped to -26, classified by SWS as "low," and represents a 19-point decline from the -7 recorded in November 2025.
According to SWS, this -26 score is the lowest since September 2021, when the country was still recovering from pandemic restrictions. It is also 18 points lower than the annual average of -8 for 2025.
Regional and Demographic Breakdown
The survey indicated that the decline occurred across all regions, age groups, and sectors. Net gainers fell in all major regions, with the lowest scores recorded in Mindanao and Metro Manila, both at -31 and classified as "very low." The Visayas followed with -25, while Balance Luzon had -23, both in the "low" category.
Compared to November 2025, Mindanao experienced the largest drop, falling 33 points from a positive +2 to -31. Metro Manila declined by 19 points, Balance Luzon by 16 points, and the Visayas by 11 points.
The decline was more severe in urban areas, where net gainers plunged by 22 points to -32, compared to a 15-point drop in rural areas to -18.
Age and Gender
By age group, older Filipinos had a more negative outlook. Those aged 18 to 24 had the highest score at -4, still classified as "fair," but a significant drop from +31 in November 2025. Those aged 45 to 54 had a "very low" score of -38, while those 55 and older scored -39.
Both men and women experienced declines, with net gainers falling to -28 for men and -25 for women, both classified as "low."
