Filipino Perspectives Digest: WR Numero launches inaugural issue of new research initiative in partnership with PhilSTAR Life
WR Numero, in partnership with PhilSTAR L!fe, has released the inaugural issue of its newest research project, Filipino Perspectives Digest, which aims to uncover deep stories beyond numbers by capturing the lived experiences of the Filipino youth and the many factors that are shaping their views.
Launched on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at Komunidad Hub in Bonifacio Global City, the inaugural report focuses on what it means to be Gen Z in today's Philippines. It highlights their aspirations, anxieties, and desires for a better nation—and how they think it can be achieved with the right tools, opportunities, and support.
The event, hosted by L!fe's Generations columnist Angel Martinez and WR Numero's communications lead Jezryl Xavier Genecera, gathered youth advocates and industry leaders, including Asticom Head of Sales Cindy Burdette; Axcess PR General Manager Chescka Diaz; National Youth Commission Asec. Gervy James Gumarit; Grow School Philippines and Youth Uprising CEO Robyn Mijares; and youth influencer and advocate Janina Vela. They shared their thoughts on the key findings of the inaugural report, even as they reflected on how their respective industries can engage more meaningfully with young Pinoys. Joining the discussion were WR Numero Research President and CEO Cleve Arguelles and Filipino Perspectives Digest's lead researcher Beatriz Beato.
In her speech during the launch, L!fe’s Head Editor Brooke Villanueva said the media organization is honored to partner with WR Numero for its inaugural issue as it has always been committed to being open to diverse perspectives, serving as a platform for stories that don’t just amuse, entertain, and inform but also—and more importantly—inspire and spark conversations that matter.
"We've always believed in the power of the youth. We've always believed they hold the key to a better tomorrow for all of us," she said, reflecting on the report. "They want a nation that works for everyone, and they're not just standing in the corner while waiting to achieve that. They're taking action toward their ideal country by making their voices louder than ever before, and knowing that they can serve as a starting point for it and lead the way as long as they have proper support from our government leaders and collective action from all of us. The future is bright with them because they believe that the country they're dreaming of is not out of reach."
Filipino Perspectives Digest: Hangad ng Kabataang Pilipino
For its inaugural issue, the Filipino Perspectives Digest took a deep dive into Gen Z's hopes and anxieties amid challenges in the country's sociopolitical and economic landscape.
The inaugural issue had three key themes. First, how Gen Z are driven and motivated amid ambitions and obstacles in a society that has become more multigenerational than ever. Second, how Gen Z are striving to pave the way for changes amid false misconceptions about them. Third, how Gen Z come to terms with the country's political future.
The study found that for Filipino Gen Z, financial security—not luxury—is the ultimate goal. Stability, steady jobs, and supporting their families matter most, with many seeing themselves as future breadwinners. Travel or further studies only come second to survival.
But Gen Z know hard work alone can’t secure their future due to systemic barriers like inequality, poor governance, and a weak economy. They want sustainable and equitable progress that doesn’t sacrifice the environment, calling for investments in rural areas to ease city congestion and widen opportunities.
Gen Z believe good governance is central to their hopes. Corruption, inefficiency, and misplaced priorities make the future uncertain, so they want competent, accountable leaders, and genuine unity. This unity doesn’t just apply in politics—like the buzzword of the now-dissolved Marcos-Duterte tandem—but also across beliefs, cultures, identities, and religions.
The Filipino youth are also swinging between cautious optimism and pragmatic idealism. Though they remain hopeful, they know a systemic change is necessary for the nation's true advancement.
WR Numero interviewed 46 individuals aged 18 to 25 hailing from various socio-economic backgrounds, gender identities, and geographic regions. The interviewees comprised 24 males and 22 females. In terms of SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), 35 of them are straight, four gay, three bisexual, one queer, and one pansexual. Two individuals refused to disclose their SOGIE.
Instead of the typical survey, the research firm used focus group discussions, bringing people together in a facilitated conversation to allow for a deeper and more dynamic exploration of thoughts, emotions, and lived experiences.
Reflecting on their chosen research method, Beato pointed out that FGDs allowed them to answer the whys better, rather than the what's often “answered” by surveys.
“FGDs captures way beyond a single question,” she said. “FGDs encourage participants to share their experiences, allowing for more participative forms of data gathering… they’re able to take part in shaping the flow of the conversation.”
“That’s why the Filipino Perspectives Digest is important as a complement to the Philippine public opinion monitors,” she added.
Insights from youth advocates, industry leaders
The launch also saw an insightful panel discussion among Arguelles, Burdette, Diaz, Gumarit, Mijares, and Vela. It discussion was moderated by Martinez and Genecera, who are also Gen Z.
The panelists took note of the study’s findings and acknowledged how the country’s future rests in the hands of the Filipino youth.
According to Burdette, Gen Z, who have populated their company, are teaching older workers on how to navigate technologies for efficiency. “If they can do that as young as they are,” she said, “I will not be surprised that 10, 20 years from now, they can lead a different country.”
For Vela, with some members of older generations projecting much toward their generation, the latter cannot pave the way for much change for now. But they eventually would, thanks to collaborative and conscious efforts with others. “You have to have the correct people to set up the systems,” she noted.
Gumarit said there are lots of reasons to thank the Gen Z, and that the government is always keeping in mind their generation in different programs. “We always listen to our youth and we genuinely care for them,” he continued.
Mijares, for her part, noted that while Gen Z are getting the help they need, they also wish to be accountable themselves in case they make mistakes along the way. "No one should be left behind. We also need the support of others to be able to do this together," she said. "We also want to be responsible. We have to empower Gen Z.”
According to Diaz, Gen Z must be given more platforms for them to air their sentiments and uphold their advocacies, letting them thrive in this world. “I think most people underestimate them," she said. "[But] they're also shaping the workspaces. We need to understand them more. As you give them the resources and platform, Gen Z will be the future."
A retrospective Arguelles also noted that the young are brimming with ideas and are likely to cause positive changes in society.
"There's a reason why many groundbreaking things that we experience in Philippine history [are due to the youth]," he said. "It's cliche, pero kabataan talaga ang pag-asa ng bayan."
Future installments of the Filipino Perspectives Digest will explore other themes, all ensuring that diverse voices in Philippine society will be heard. Get a copy of its inaugural issue here.