Filipinos Envision Better Living in 2040

A survey revealed that majority of the Filipinos see a predominantly middle class society where no one is poor in the year 2040.

During the recent launching of “Ambisyon Natin 2040”, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Efren Carreon reported highlights of the recent survey on the Filipinos’ vision for themselves and the country in the next 25 years. Accordingly, Filipinos remain positive that by 2040 there will be no poor as there will be majority middle income families.

Filipinos then will enjoy long and healthy lives, are smart and innovative and will live in a high trust society. On the other hand, by 2040, Filipinos envision themselves to be living a stable and comfortable lifestyle, secure in the knowledge that there is enough for their daily needs and expected expenses.

They also see themselves to be able to plan and prepare for their children’s future and the families live in a place they own. Other than that, they will also have the freedom to go where they desire and are protected by a clean, efficient and fair government.

Carreon said these were the results of the recent survey which covered both male and female from 15 to 50 years old from all income ranges in the entire Philippines.

He said the results are necessary in the crafting of government policies as many of the agencies are bound to craft new plans.

“It will be best if the plans, which are strategies, will take into consideration the visions of the Filipinos, long term included since 2040 will cover four administrations,” Carreon said.

The survey covers ideals on housing, education, priority sectors, transportation, health and communication. Carreon cited as an example, the finding that 62 percent of the respondents view simple and comfortable life to owning a car, while there are only 23 percent who prefer moving through public transport system.

“This means, it’s time for the concerned agencies to think of the best reliable and convenient public transport system if they want to solve the problem on traffic, imagine in Bohol alone 200 cars are sold every month,” Carreon said.

Another component of having a simple and comfortable life is to live in a small house with a big lot, as preferred by 70 percent of the respondents. Only 14 percent wants to live in a big house in a small lot. Majority also preferred to live within the city they are working in, 30 percent prefer to live in the town center while 29 percent prefer to live in a small city in the province.

Carreon said these are merely visions and ideals, and it is now up to the agencies both private and public to strategize for the plans. He urged the media and the information officers of the different line agencies to help in relaying the visions to the public.

“What we have is a vision, we need now is to communicate the vision,” according to Dionisio Lebres Jr., NEDA-7 assistant regional director. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)