Controlling the rising prices of basic goods and services is the top urgent national concern for Filipinos, according to an OCTA Research survey released this week, reflecting widespread public anxiety over inflation and cost-of-living pressures.

The survey found that 45% of adult Filipinos identified price control as the most pressing national issue, followed by improving or increasing wages at 33%, fighting graft and corruption at 26%, ensuring access to affordable food at 24%, and reducing poverty at 20%.

On personal concerns, staying healthy and avoiding illness ranked highest, with 67% of respondents citing it as their top priority.

Other key personal concerns included having enough food daily (46%), securing a stable and well-paying job or income source (42%), building savings (41%), and completing education or supporting children’s schooling (30%).

The nationwide survey was conducted from March 19 to 25, 2026, among 1,2000 adult Filipinos across various socioeconomic classes.

OCTA Research said the results highlight a dual concern among Filipinos: immediate household survival needs and broader economic pressures linked to inflation, employment, and income security.