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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.