MANILA, Philippines — January 24, 2026 — Improving wages and salaries emerged as the top national concern of Filipinos in the last quarter of 2025, according to the latest Tugon ng Masa survey conducted by OCTA Research. The nationwide poll, carried out from December 3 to 11, 2025, revealed that 45 percent of adult respondents cited workers’ wages as the most urgent issue that the Marcos administration must address.

OCTA noted that the share of Filipinos identifying wages as their primary concern rose sharply in the fourth quarter, marking its steepest increase since March 2024. “The share of adult Filipinos citing improving or increasing workers’ wages as an urgent national concern rose sharply in the Fourth Quarter (Q4) of 2025, marking its steepest increase since March 2024,” OCTA said in its report.

The survey showed regional variations, with 47 percent of respondents in Balance Luzon and the Visayas, 42 percent in Mindanao, and 41 percent in the National Capital Region prioritizing wage increases. This reflects a broad demand across the country for higher pay amid rising living costs.

The poll also highlighted other national concerns, including inflation, poverty reduction, and job creation, but wages consistently ranked highest. Analysts said the results underscore the growing frustration among workers who feel that their earnings have not kept pace with inflation and the cost of basic goods and services.

The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 respondents nationwide. It has a margin of error of plus or minus three percent at a 95 percent confidence level. OCTA explained that the timing of the survey coincided with the holiday season, when many households were more conscious of their financial situation due to expenses and bonuses.

The findings come as the government continues to face pressure from labor groups to implement wage hikes across different regions. Calls for adjustments have intensified in Metro Manila and other urban centers, where workers argue that the current minimum wage is insufficient to meet daily needs.

At the same time, OCTA reported a significant decline in self-rated poverty, with 37 percent of Filipinos considering themselves poor in December 2025 compared to 54 percent in September. This translates to an estimated 4.5 million families who no longer classified themselves as poor within a single quarter, the largest drop in the survey’s history. Economists attributed the improvement to stabilized inflation, government assistance programs, and seasonal bonuses.

Despite the decline in poverty ratings, the emphasis on wages suggests that Filipinos remain concerned about long-term financial stability. Experts said that while short-term relief measures may have helped households, sustainable wage growth is necessary to ensure lasting improvements in living standards.

The OCTA survey results are expected to fuel ongoing debates on wage policies and labor reforms, with stakeholders urging the administration to prioritize measures that directly address workers’ compensation. For many Filipinos, the message is clear: wage increases are not just desirable, they are essential for economic security.