The Social Weather Stations (SWS) reported that adult Filipinos’ self-rated well-being has fallen to its lowest level on record, based on its November 24 to 30, 2025 survey. The mean score using the Anamnestic Comparative Self-Assessment (ACSA) reached +1.72, lower than the previous low of +1.97 recorded during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2021.
The ACSA measures how individuals view their present life compared to their own best and worst past experiences. From a high of +2.82 in 2017, the score briefly recovered to +2.76 in December 2023 before steadily declining through 2024 and 2025.
Fewer Filipinos See Life Positively
In the latest survey, 73% of Filipinos rated their present life positively, while 25% gave negative ratings, and 3% were neutral. This marks a drop from December 2024, when 79% gave positive assessments and only 20% viewed their lives negatively.
Developed by Belgian oncologist Jan Bernheim, the ACSA scale asks respondents to rate the past two weeks of their lives from -5 (worst period) to +5 (best period). The nationwide survey covered 1,200 adults through face-to-face interviews.
Linked to Happiness and Satisfaction
SWS found that well-being scores are closely tied to how Filipinos feel about their lives. Those who are very satisfied posted a mean ACSA of +2.85, compared to +0.15 among those who are dissatisfied. Similarly, respondents who are very happy scored +2.67, while unhappy individuals recorded near-neutral levels.
Overall, 33% of Filipinos said they are very happy, and 28% said they are very satisfied with life.
Hunger and Inequality Affect Well-Being
Economic conditions continue to influence perceptions of well-being. About 20.1% of families reported experiencing involuntary hunger in the past three months. Those who did not experience hunger scored higher (+2.01) compared to those who did, with moderate hunger at +0.58 and severe hunger at +0.70.
By region, Balance Luzon posted the highest score at +2.08, followed by Metro Manila (+1.63), the Visayas (+1.47), and Mindanao (+1.29). Higher educational attainment was also linked to better scores.
Across most groups, ACSA scores declined from previous surveys, reflecting a broader dip in how Filipinos view their current quality of life.
