Prospects are Filipinos will survive come what may.

***

A major indicator, according to the 2006 Social Weather Station Survey Review, is that the majority of Filipinos remain hopeful and proud of themselves.

Charge it to "bright attitude" and "high altitude."

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Capping the positive outlook barometer is the recent survey showing that four out of every five Pinoys welcome the new year with hope rather than with fear.

More hope and no fear – Manny Pacquiao-style.

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Another indicator is the official report of President GMA that the economy grew by 5.1 percent last year despite oil price hikes and political squabbling.

Inspiring economic growth despite discouraging political bouts.

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The NEDA has also projected that the GDP growth would pick up this year to 5.7 to 6.3 percent as the country will enjoy increases in agricultural production, infrastructure spending, and OFW remittances.

Hope springs eternal – and projecting is never expensive.

***

The economy is "resilient" and "the challenge now is to sustain and accelerate growth to a level where we can significantly raise the standard of living of the majority of Filipinos." adds Socio-economic Planning Secretary Augusto Santos.

"Growth and resiliency" is the best economy policy.

***

Peace and order prospects are also expected to improve with the release by PGMA of R1 billion for the hiring of 15,000 more policemen and the purchase of patrol cars and hand guns.

Greater visibility and efficiency will drive the criminals away.

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PGMA has instructed armed police to go against kidnappers, criminals, terrorists, drug dealers, and destabilizers "who are working to plant fear in the people every day."

Hello, armed cops! Goodbye pulis patola!

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The political atmosphere could also improve with the call of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for the non-scrapping of the 2007 elections and the adoption of needed political measures and reforms, to which Malacañang and Congress have positively responded.

To err is human to reform is divine.

***

"It’s a good sermon. It’s a good moral guideline," says Senate Majority Leader Aquilino Pimentel, reflecting the sentiment of the opposition.

Well, reminders should do wonders.

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"What a relief. CBCP has finally admitted that social justice is best pursued under a rule of law, not a disco-type EDSA assembly… Goodbye, EDSA coup d’etat," adds Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

Okay, enjoy and dance to a better beat.

***

Indeed, prospects for national survival and eventual take off remain generally bright. Let’s not foul ‘em up!