BY ALEX ALAGON
APPROXIMATELY 8 in 10 (76.1%) Davaoeños remained hopeful this Christmas for Davao City, while 2 in 10 (22.4%) were uncertain, according to the University of Mindanao – Institute of Popular Opinion online survey from Nov. 26, 2025, to Dec. 12, 202,5 targeting 1,200 respondents from three congressional districts
The survey intends to determine their wish for Davao City and 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 were targeted for contact within the defined geographical radius. Respondents were defined to be at least 18 years old, have a valid/active email address, and be residents of 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 of the respondents.
When asked about what gave them hope for Davao City, nearly half (47.2%) cited the City`s peace and safety, while two out of ten (22.4%) attributed their hope to family, relationships, and personal blessings. Others pointed to the city`s economic opportunities and livelihood (7.5%) and its clean, orderly, and festive environment (6.5%).
When asked about their wishes for Davao City, nearly seven out of ten (65.08%) were manifesting for the continued sustenance of peaceful and safe communities in the City. More than half of ten (54.27%) expressed a strong desire for better traffic or transportation, and four of ten (41.71%) longed for healthier communities and better healthcare access. Other wishes include more livelihood and economic opportunities (34.92%) and more support for youth and education (25.88%).
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.
Davaoeños were asked to send a message for Davao City. One respondent expressed hope that Davao City may grow into a safer, more peaceful, and opportunity-filled community where every resident feels secure and supported. Another participant wished for the City to continue flourishing as a model city that balances progress with its unique identity, remains a home for its people, and a beacon for Mindanao. Moreover, one participant loved to see Davao City continuing its legacy as the safest and cleanest City with its people who are disciplined and united.
In terms of governance and development, Davaoeños hope for more developments and improvements, particularly in traffic and transportation, and disaster-related management. One participant wished that development in the City may not be too aggressive to avoid affecting vulnerable and marginalized communities negatively.
Regarding healthcare, a longing for healthcare that is accessible, affordable, and inclusive for all was evident as well from the messages. Davaoeños manifested for a Davao City that is sustainable and is capable for the needs of its residents and increasing its healthcare opportunities for everyone disregarding of social and financial status.
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.
