OCTA: Inflation, health remain Pinoys’ top concerns

A majority of Filipinos believe that inflation and health remain the top concerns, according to the latest survey from OCTA Research.

The most recent Tugon ng Masa survey showed that of 1,200 adult Filipino respondents, 66% consider controlling the increase in the prices of basic commodities as an urgent concern.

It is also the top concern across major areas and income classes.

This was followed by the concern of wage increases for workers and access to affordable food (39%), creating more jobs (33%), and reducing poverty (25%).

Filipinos were also concerned about providing free quality education (19%), and fighting graft and corruption in government (17%).

“More Filipinos in Visayas and Balance Luzon expressed concern about improving or increasing wages or salaries of workers compared to other major areas,” OCTA added.

Meanwhile, the poll indicated that Filipinos were least concerned about issues on changing the Constitution and reducing electricity charges.

The non-commissioned survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews from August 28 to September 2, 2024.

OCTA Research also noted that the results of the latest survey increased to 39%, a 6% growth from 33% in June 2024.

The same survey also showed that staying healthy and avoiding illness are at the top of respondents' urgent personal concerns.

This was followed by completing education or providing schooling for their children and securing a well-paying job or income source at 46%, and having enough to eat every day at 45%.

OCTA Research said the survey has a ±3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level. Subnational estimates for the geographic areas covered in the survey have the following margins of error at a 95% confidence level: ±6% for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.—RF, GMA Integrated News