Gen Z Filipinos prioritize stability over luxury

For many Gen Z Filipinos, the future is not defined by wealth or extravagance but by survival, stability, and the hope of lifting their families out of hardship.

This core insight is highlighted in the inaugural issue of the Filipino Perspectives Digest, published by public opinion research firm WR Numero, which conducted six nationwide focus group discussions with 46 participants aged 18 to 25 across Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and the Bangsamoro region.

The Digest’s main theme, “grounded ambition,” reflects how Gen Z Filipinos prioritize security over excess, often dreaming not of global travel or luxury items but of stable jobs, education for their siblings, and rest for their overworked parents.

“Ang dream ko talaga sa family ko ay mag-relax na sila, especially my parents,” said a 25-year-old male participant from La Union. “Nag-struggle na sobra noon—this time, it’s for them to rest. I want to be the one providing. I want to be financially stable.”

This idea of financial stability centers on collective well-being, with many young Filipinos aspiring to share security across generations and lift their families out of poverty.

“My dream is for my family to eat three times a day, for us to not be afraid of poverty,” said a 24-year-old male participant from Tawi-Tawi.

Even ambitions tied to higher education are framed through financial responsibility and stability.

“In the next five years […] I want to do my PhD,” said an 18-year-old female participant from Metro Manila. “Para kahit anong gastos mo, okay lang, parang that’s successful in life. That’s what I want.”

Despite their determination, many young Filipinos are acutely aware of the constraints they face, from poor governance and corruption to regional disparities and job insecurity.

“Better living wages, better healthcare, better financial security, better policies and governance, access to education, and inclusive opportunities for those who are part of the marginalized sector—these things are needed,” said a 23-year-old male participant from Lanao del Norte.

These systemic barriers are compounded by inequality, which many participants visualize through the image of a triangle, with privilege and power concentrated at the top while most Filipinos struggle to rise.

“So makita n’yo rito nga daw ‘yung clear division sa current Philippines,” said a 25-year-old male participant from Lanao del Norte. “Sa mga richer classes, higher, middle class, and sa masa na, the poorest and the most economically unfortunate. Para sa mga local Filipinos, of course ‘yung ugat ng triangle.”

The report emphasizes that Gen Z Filipinos are not rejecting aspirations but reshaping them to suit the realities they confront.

Even when they speak of economic success, young Filipinos often pair it with a desire for fairness, good governance, and a sustainable future.

They envision a country where growth is inclusive, inequality is addressed, and politics is driven not by dynasties but by accountability and public service.

WR Numero describes this generation as navigating “cautious optimism and pragmatic idealism,” striving for a better life even as they understand the limitations imposed by circumstance.

The Filipino Perspectives Digest is publicly available for download at tinyurl.com/wrn-fpd.