‘Ambisyon’: PH predominantly middle class, no one poor…by 2040

by Ben O. de Vera, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 14 Oct 2019

Social media may teem with clashing opinions over many issues, but some traits bound Filipinos like being conformist, religious and traditional, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

In a statement on Monday, Oct. 14, the Neda said results of the National Values Survey showed a number of characteristics that Filipinos have in common.

The survey polled 10,200 respondents 15-years-old and above nationwide.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said the survey results can help planners “understand the cultural values that characterize Philippine society.”

The results, Pernia added, could also “provide a basis for monitoring the country’s progress in terms of values formation towards national development.”

Pernia said the survey results debunk the notion that “it is difficult to determine what really makes us Filipino.”

“This survey now shows us what distinguishes Filipinos from other nationalities based on common values,” Pernia said.

The government, he said, can draw insights from the survey results in crafting policies for national development and to achieve the targets in its long-term vision dubbed “Ambisyon Natin 2040.”

Pernia said a conformist society “may hinder efforts at spurring innovation and change.” “This is a challenge we need to overcome,” Pernia said.

AmBisyon Natin 2040 sees Filipinos having a per capita income of at least $11,000 through a sustained 6.5 percent annual gross domestic product growth.

President Rodrigo Duterte had adopted Ambisyon Natin 2040 as a long-term goal for the Philippines. By 2040, the officials said they hoped the Philippines would be “predominantly middle class where no one is poor.”

Neda said the two-year National Values Survey, to be concluded in October, was being conducted by Hofstede Insights Inc./TSB