DepEd is most trusted government agency
In a recent survey conducted by OCTA Research, the Department of Education (DepEd) emerged as the most trusted government agency in the Philippines, earning an impressive 84% trust rating. This marks a significant increase from its 79% rating in the previous quarter, maintaining its position at the top. The survey, known as Tugon ng Masa, was carried out in the fourth quarter of 2023 and highlights the public’s growing confidence in the education sector.
Following closely behind DepEd, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) secured an 83% trust rating, demonstrating the public’s strong faith in higher education institutions. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) wasn’t far behind, with an 82% trust rating, showcasing its pivotal role in providing social services to the population.
Interestingly, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also made it to the top five trusted agencies, with ratings of 80% and 75% respectively. These agencies, along with DepEd, CHED, and DSWD, have consistently been recognized for their trustworthiness and performance, even in previous surveys.
DSWD deserves a special mention as it was rated the best performing agency, achieving an 86% score. This reflects the department’s effective delivery of social welfare services and its commitment to improving the lives of many Filipinos.
The survey also revealed that government offices generally receive higher trust and performance ratings from residents of the Visayas and Mindanao regions. This regional trust underscores the importance of government services across the country, highlighting regional variations in public perception.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) received the lowest trust ratings, at 19% and 16% respectively. Additionally, DTI recorded the lowest dissatisfaction rating among all the agencies surveyed, with only 22%, followed by DOTr at 16%.
The Tugon ng Masa survey’s findings were based on face-to-face interviews with over 1,200 respondents aged 18 and above, conducted from December 10 to 14, 2023. The survey has a margin of error of ±3% at a 85% confidence level, ensuring a reliable snapshot of the public’s trust in government agencies.
As we move forward, these insights not only highlight the public’s perception of government agencies but also underscore the critical role these institutions play in the daily lives of Filipinos. The trust and performance ratings serve as a barometer for the government’s effectiveness in meeting the needs of its citizens, with education and social welfare at the forefront of public approval.
