Palace: High optimism among Filipinos is a result of President Aquino’s transparent, dedicated service

The Malacañang Palace (Facebook photo)

MANILA – Malacañang on Tuesday pledged to continue to work hard to uplift the lives of the people, as it welcomed the results of a survey showing a high level of optimism among Filipinos.

“We acknowledge the high level of optimism expressed by a great majority of our people in two year-end surveys conducted by the Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. told reporters during a press briefing at the Palace.

“The Aquino administration will intensify its efforts in implementing vital programs that would broaden the scope of social welfare and protection, generate employment and livelihood opportunities for our countrymen, and sustain the gains of the economy during the past five years.”

The Pulse Asia survey showed that a majority, or 89 percent, of its 1,800 respondents will welcome the New Year “with hope.”

“Hope is the predominant sentiment among Filipinos as far as the year 2016 is concerned,” the study, which was conducted from December 4 to 11, said.

The sentiment is shared by most Filipinos across geographic areas with 85 percent to 95 percent, and socio-economic classes with 86 percent to 92 percent.

The respondents were registered voters aged 18 years old and above, and the survey had a 2 percent error margin.

Asked if President Aquino’s leadership has something to do with the high optimism among Filipinos, Secretary Coloma responded by saying that throughout the President’s administration, he has governed with sincerity, commitment and transparency.

His vision for the country is carried out through the program, “A Social Contract with the Filipino People,” the Palace official said.

The President acknowledges his obligations and commitment to the Filipino people, with the major goal of uplifting their lives and giving them a better future, Coloma said, adding that the survey results show that Filipinos may have acknowledged the President’s efforts to fulfill what he had promised when he assumed office.

“At dahil din sa ipinakita niyang determinasyon ng pamahalaan na maging transparent, hayag at tapat ang paglilingkod, sa aking palagay ito ang mga elemento na nagpalakas sa kanilang kumpiyansa,” Coloma said, noting that the public has recognized the President’s personal integrity and commitment as a leader.