On Dabawenyos’ Preferred Presidential Qualities, Attributes, and Priorities
THE University of Mindanao Institute of Popular Opinion conducted an online survey from March 22 to 30, 2021 targeting Davaoeños from the three districts of the City to know their preferences on the qualities, attributes, and priorities of a
Philippine President come May 2022 election. The survey also intended to determine the Dabawenyos’ preference for President and Vice-President. The survey was conducted just weeks after leading polls of the country released preference ratings for the two highest positions of the country and social media was abuzz with photos and posts on organized political rallies. Since the survey was done online as physical contact was not allowed during the time of conduct of the survey, IPO relied heavily on online survey of Facebook users who are residents of Davao City, at least 18 years old, and are targeted for contact within the defined geographical radius. A total of 1,200 respondents were contacted in random and systematically targeted.
When Dabawenyos were asked on the top qualities a Philippine President should have, they said that they look forward for a President that has priorities for public health (88.4%), sound economic management (88.1%), education (88.1%), agriculture and food security (86.4%), national security (85.4%), and climate change and disaster risk reduction (80.2%). In addition, Dabawenyos also expect that a President is honest and sincere (84.7%), respects the rule of law (82.9%), will continue the good programs of the outgoing administration (80.4%), and respects human rights (80.2%).
Table 1. Top ten (10) qualities, attributes, and priorities of the next Philippine President as perceived by Dabawenyos ing pro-China (8.9%), being pro-United States (9.4%), having cordial relationship with the Church (36.1%), not tolerating red tape (64.6%), not easily bribed by campaign lobbyists (65.6%), has a sense of justice and rules with iron fist (67.3%), and has experience in crafting laws (68.8%). With neither being proChina nor pro-United States in the bottom spot and registering single-digit preference, this came no surprise after the previous IPO survey stating that 77% of the Dabawenyos believe that the country has to be neutral in external disputes or conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine tussle just recently.
Table 2. Bottom ten (10) qualities, attributes, and priorities of the next Philippine President as perceived by Dabawenyos