CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM: Gen Z Filipinos hopeful but hindered in civic engagement

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

Young Filipinos are hopeful about the country’s future but continue to face a range of barriers that hold them back from participating in civic life, according to a new report released Friday by public opinion research firm WR Numero.

The inaugural issue of the Filipino Perspectives Digest highlights a sense of “cautious optimism” among Filipino Gen Zs, many of whom said they want a better future not only for themselves but also for their families. Still, personal limitations and structural inequalities have kept many from taking part in activism or civic activities.

“My dream for my family is for them to finally relax, especially my parents,” according to a survey participant from La Union as cited in the WR Numero media release.

“They struggled so much before. Now, it’s time for them to rest. I don’t want them to worry about working or putting food on the table anymore. I want to be the one providing. I want to be financially stable”.

The Digest draws from six nationwide focus group discussions conducted with 46 young people aged 18 to 25 across Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao and the Bangsamoro region. Participants were born between 1997 and 2012, the generation commonly known as Gen Z.

According to WR Numero, most respondents said they envisioned a “stable, comfortable, and secure life,” a goal many still view as distant due to systemic barriers and a lack of real national progress.

While some participants expressed interest in supporting reform-oriented groups such as student organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the Sangguniang Kabataan, few had taken steps to get involved.

“Personally I want to participate in those that I see doing environmental activities like coastal clean-up. I want to participate, but I am too shy to approach,” said a 23-year-old female participant from Tawi-Tawi.

Others cited more immediate needs that supersede civic involvement, such as economic hardship and the need to prioritize day-to-day survival.

“People are privileged. I feel like it takes a privilege to be part of those efforts,” said a 21-year-old discussant from Camarines Sur. “You won’t realize the state of the country unless you have established your own survival. You won’t see a lot of citizens actively protesting right now because their focus is their own life, and not being vocal”.

Time was another constraint, with one participant noting that until they have enough of it to commit, they would remain disengaged from even well-meaning civic initiatives.

“Before I participate, I should have time for that. Until such time arrives that I become available to be committed and to engage in such groups, I will not join NGOs even if they have nice advocacies,” said a female participant from Camarines Sur.

Participants from outside Metro Manila said many opportunities to engage are concentrated in the capital, further isolating those from more remote areas.

“If they have the same effort that we are interested in, they should have initiatives that we can access,” said another female participant from Camarines Sur. “I think the visibility of their advocacies plays a role as well. What they’re doing should be tangible”.

Despite these obstacles, the report found that Gen Zs still believe in the importance of capable, compassionate leaders who can create the environment necessary for civic action.

“The power should be returned to the people, who can hold government officials accountable,” said a 25-year-old participant from Lanao del Norte. “They need to have accountability and transparency because, as public servants, they are supposed to serve the public… They should want to serve, prioritize the welfare of improving the country in terms of economy, education, etc.”.

WR Numero emphasized that the findings offer a nuanced understanding of young Filipinos’ attitudes in an era marked by overlapping national crises—from economic instability to governance challenges. While Gen Zs recognize their role in shaping the country’s future, many are waiting on institutions and leaders to give them the initial push.

The Filipino Perspectives Digest is available for public download at tinyurl.com/wrn-fpd. It serves as a companion to WR Numero’s Philippine Public Opinion Monitor.