Filipino Gen Z and millennials expressed the lowest satisfaction with employment opportunities, education quality, and healthcare access compared to their peers in six Southeast Asian countries, according to a survey by Vero, a regional communications consultancy.
The survey, which involved 2,700 respondents from the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, included 453 participants from the Philippines. Released on Friday, the results highlighted critical concerns among Filipino youth, particularly job security, costly education, and inadequate healthcare.
A significant 35% of Filipino respondents reported dissatisfaction with job security, with 31% of Gen Z and 36% of millennials identifying the lack of employment opportunities as their top issue. The youth emphasized the need for job creation programs and enhanced employment services, alongside skills training to better align workers with employer demands.
“For these young generations, securing a stable job is directly tied to achieving a stable life,” Vero noted in the report, underscoring that stable employment ensures access to essential needs like healthcare and housing.
Education was another major concern, with satisfaction rates as low as 43% among Gen Z and 38% among millennials. High tuition fees and associated school costs often prevent Filipino youth from pursuing secondary and tertiary education. Beyond affordability, 31% of Gen Z and 30% of millennial respondents were dissatisfied with the quality of education, citing the need for better facilities, technology, and teacher training.
Healthcare challenges also loomed large, with only 36% of Filipino youth expressing satisfaction with the healthcare system. High costs and limited facilities were key barriers, and Vero cited Department of Health data showing that six in 10 Filipinos die without consulting a doctor.
Despite these challenges, Filipino youth maintained a positive outlook. A combined 84% of Filipino Gen Z and millennials reported optimism about the future, surpassing peers in Singapore and Malaysia and aligning closely with youth in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand.
