44% of young Filipinos fear for their future — education among top worries

In last year’s World Children’s Day celebration, the Quezon City government and UNICEF Philippines highlighted the voices and leadership of children and youth in climate change initiatives. Photo by Larry Monserate-Piojo, UNICEF.

Nearly half of young Filipinos have a bleak outlook on the future. Climate change, lack of educational opportunities and scarcity of jobs top their list of concerns, according to a survey by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The U-Report polled over 3,000 Filipinos aged 15 to 24. Of this, 44% said they expect conditions to worsen for future generations.

The findings were released ahead of the Summit of the Future 2024 in New York. It hopes to understand the serious challenges troubling the country’s youth.

“The U-Report findings reveal the sobering, yet hopeful outlook young people have about their prospects for the future,” said UNICEF Representative to the Philippines Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov. 

“We should listen to what they have to say and work together to address these issues so that every child is cared for, protected, and given a fair chance in life,” he added.

According to the survey, 26% saw climate change as the biggest problem they will face in the future. 

Also, 23% of respondents are concerned they will not be able to finish their education. Meanwhile 22% expressed worry about finding a job and their health (both physical and mental).

When asked what the biggest obstacle will be to getting their dream job or starting a business in the future, 33% of respondents said they were worried about the lack of jobs for people without experience. 

Another 26% were concerned about the economic situation, while 20% said access to a good education is hampering their prospects.

Despite the challenges, 37% of Filipino youth think the next generations will be “better off than today.” Meanwhile, 19% believe conditions will be the same. 

The majority or 69% of respondents said the United Nations (UN) is “very important” in creating a better future.

“New generations are bringing a reinvigorated sense of solidarity and a compelling call for collective action. Both are essential to build the future we want,” said UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo González.