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What Davaoeños Hope for Davao City This Christmas

Davao City, Philippines — The University of Mindanao – Institute of Popular Opinion conducted an online survey from November 26, 2025 to December 12, 2025 targeting 1,200 Davaoeños from the three districts of the City to know their hopes for Davao City this Christmas season. The survey also intended to capture their messages for the City Government of Davao.
Since the survey was done online via sponsored ads on three Meta Platforms (Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram), IPO relied heavily on online, pre-defined, targeted social media users who met the inclusion criteria and are targeted for contact within the defined geographical radius. Respondents were defined to be at least 18 years old, have valid/active email addresses, and a resident in Davao City. The survey was done at a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. Questions asked are related to hopes and wishes and their confidence that these will be fulfilled. A simple message was also asked from the respondents.
Approximately eight out of 10 (76.1%) Davaoeños expressed that they are hopeful this Christmas for Davao City while two out of ten (22.4%) were uncertain.
Table 1. Extent of Hope of Davaoeños
f | % | |
|---|---|---|
Very Hopeful | 913 | 76.1% |
Neither Hopeful nor Not Hopeful | 269 | 22.4% |
Not Hopeful | 18 | 1.5% |
When asked about what gave them hope for Davao City, nearly half (47.2%) cited the Citys peace and safety while two out of ten (22.4%) attributed their hope to family, relationships, and personal blessings. Others pointed to the citys economic opportunities and livelihood (7.5%) and its clean, orderly, and festive environment (6.5%).
Table 2. Hope Drivers of Davaoeños
f | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
Peace and safety in the City | 566 | 47.20% | 1 |
Family, relationships, and personal blessings | 269 | 22.40% | 2 |
Economic opportunities and livelihood | 90 | 7.50% | 3 |
Clean, orderly, and festive city environment | 78 | 6.50% | 4 |
Strong community spirit and unity | 72 | 6.00% | 5 |
Supportive City programs and services | 42 | 3.50% | 6 |
Kindness and generosity | 36 | 3.00% | 7 |
Faith and spiritual traditions | 22 | 1.80% | 8 |
When respondents were asked about their wishes for Davao City, nearly seven out of ten (65.08%) expressed hope for the continued preservation of peaceful and safe communities in the city. More than half (54.27%) indicated a strong desire for improved traffic and transportation systems, while four out of ten (41.71%) hoped for healthier communities and better access to healthcare services. Other priorities identified included greater livelihood and economic opportunities (34.92%) and increased support for youth and education (25.88%).
Table 3. Davaoeños` Wish Lists for Davao City
Wishlist | f | % | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
Peaceful and safe communities | 780 | 65.08% | 1 |
Better traffic and transportation | 651 | 54.27% | 2 |
Healthier communities and better healthcare access | 501 | 41.71% | 3 |
More livelihood and economic opportunities | 419 | 34.92% | 4 |
More support for youth and education | 311 | 25.88% | 5 |
A cleaner and greener city | 302 | 25.13% | 6 |
Greater unity and compassion among Davaoeños | 274 | 22.86% | 7 |
More programs for vulnerable and marginalized | 223 | 18.59% | 8 |
Stronger disaster preparedness | 208 | 17.34% | 9 |
More community events and cultural activities | 148 | 12.31% | 10 |
Above all these wishes, an overwhelming majority of the respondents (93.7%) expressed confidence that the City Government can fulfill them, while only a small proportion (6.3%) reported having no confidence at all.
Table 4. Extent of Confidence among Davaoeños
f | % | |
|---|---|---|
Very Confident | 1124 | 93.7% |
Not Confident | 76 | 6.3% |
Davaoeños shared hopes for Davao City to remain safe, peaceful, and full of opportunities, while continuing to balance progress with its unique identity. Some emphasized sustaining the city’s reputation as a clean and disciplined community.
Residents also expressed the need for better governance and development, particularly in traffic, transportation, and disaster management, with calls for inclusive growth that does not harm vulnerable sectors. In healthcare, Davaoeños hoped for services that are accessible, affordable, and inclusive, envisioning a sustainable city that meets the needs of all residents.
Generally, the messages of the respondents convey a hopeful and cohesive vision of Davao City – one that values peace and unity as foundations for progress, growth, and a better future for all Davaoeños.