AFFORDABLE food prices are still the biggest concern Filipinos want the national government to address, according to a Pulse Asia survey in September commissioned by the Stratbase Group.
The Sept. 17 to 23 survey found that 35 percent of respondents making food, particularly rice, meat and fish, more affordable ranked ahead of creating jobs, curbing corruption, and improving access to education and health care.
The findings also showed that 71 percent wanted the Marcos administration to control inflation, as rising food and transport costs continued to put pressure on household budgets.
The share of respondents identifying affordable food as the government’s top priority was an increase from 30 percent in July, although it remained below the 41 percent recorded in March.
The concern was strongest among the poorest respondents, with 55 percent of those in socioeconomic Class E identifying food affordability as their top priority, an increase of 11 percentage points from July.
By comparison, 34 percent of Class D respondents and 26 percent of those in Class ABC cited affordable food prices.
By region, the National Capital Region recorded the highest share at 43 percent, followed by the rest of Luzon (36 percent), Mindanao (34 percent) and the Visayas (31 percent).
Creating more jobs and livelihood opportunities ranked second, cited by 26 percent of respondents, down from 28 percent in July.
Reducing or eliminating corruption ranked third at 24 percent, also lower than the 28 percent in July and 31 percent in December 2025.
Despite the drop, corruption remained a prominent concern, particularly in the Visayas, where 30 percent cited it, and the NCR, at 27 percent.
Providing better access to education and health care was cited by 15 percent of respondents, up 1 percentage point from July.
Stratbase Group Chief Executive Officer Victor Andres Manhit said the results showed that the government needed to prioritize the cost of basic goods to rebuild public trust.
“The public has been consistently telling the government what matters most to them: the rising cost of basic goods and the ability to make ends meet,” Manhit said.
He said government economic policies should bring tangible relief to families struggling with the cost of necessities.
Manhit said efforts to fight corruption, create jobs and improve public services should translate into lower costs, higher incomes and more secure livelihoods.
The survey covered 2,400 respondents and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.
Respondents were asked to identify only one action they believed national government leaders should prioritize to address concerns in their local communities.
