EIGHT out of 10 Filipinos are satisfied with the government’s efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country as well as in efforts to provide subsidy for those who lost their jobs during the pandemic, the September 14 to 20 Ulat sa Bayan survey of Pulse Asia showed.
The survey, which involved 1,200 adult respondents nationwide with a ±2.8 percent margin of error, was held amid the observance of the general community quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila and three other areas and modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in Iligan City in September due to the high number of COVID-19 cases; the calls for investigations on alleged irregularities in the purchase of COVID-19 testing kits, medical equipment, and personal protective equipment; and on the heels of the signing of the “Bayanihan to Recover as One” into law.
Pulse Asia found that 84 percent approved of the government’s controlling of the spread of the COVID-19 — composed of 33 percent that truly approve and 51 percent that somewhat approved the actions taken by the administration — while 6 percent disapproved (composed of 4 percent that somewhat disapproved and 2 percent who truly disapproved). Ten percent said they may approve or disapprove the government efforts.
More respondents from the Visayas (86 percent) approved the government actions, closely followed by those from Luzon and Mindanao (85 percent each), and from Metro Manila (78 percent); while more people belonging to socio-economic class E (85 percent), followed by those from ABC and D (84 percent each) approved the administration’s actions.
Those who disapproved were kept at a single level or between 1 percent and 9 percent across different geographical locations and from 5 percent to 8 percent across socio-economic classes.
Pulse said the survey also found that 84 percent of Filipinos approved the government’s provision of subsidy for those who lost their livelihoods and jobs because of the COVD-19 — composed of 32 percent that truly approve and 53 percent that somewhat approved — while 7 percent disapproved (composed of 5 percent that somewhat disapproved and 2 percent who truly disapproved). Nine percent may approve or disapprove the provision of subsidy.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the government is thankful for the public’s recognition of the actions taken by the government and would use it as an inspiration to continue to improve its efforts to address and cushion the impact of the pandemic.
Pulse Asia also found out that 97 percent of Filipinos are worried about contracting COVID-19 (composed of 84 percent very much worried 13 percent somewhat worried,) while 2 percent are not worried (2 percent somewhat worried and 0.2 percent not at all worried).
The survey firm said 71 percent of the respondents regularly clean their hands with soap or used alcohol or hand sanitizer to avoid contracting the virus while 55 percent prefers wearing masks; and 33 percent observes social distancing.
Pulse Asia said 32 percent prefers to stay at home unless it is necessary to go out while 298 percent prefers to avoid crowded places (28 percent). A quarter of Filipinos (25 percent) make an effort to avoid people who are sick and 25 percent avoids crowds.
It added that 15 percent prefers to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, while 14 percent turned to prayers and 14 percent takes vitamins.
The survey said (14 percent) comprise a fourth group of safety precautions undertaken by Filipinos. The survey said 6 percent avoided domestic travels while 3 percent said they consult doctors when they do not feel well, and 2 percent said they avoided foreign travels.
