Still, when asked how they look to the future, an overwhelming majority of Filipinos are optimistic about the coming year, according to the same Pulse Asia survey which reported that 84 percent of adult Filipinos look forward to 2008 with hope.

The survey adds that high hopes for the New Year cut across geography and socio-economic class. From Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, and among the middle and upper class and the masa, there is an atmosphere of optimism and anticipation.

At the time the survey was made, the newspaper headlines were about the planned revival of impeachment complaints against the President, the Glorietta blast, the continuing Senate investigation on the ZTE contract, the granting of pardon to former President Joseph Estrada, the holding of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, the increasing price of oil in the global market, and the steady appreciation of the Philippine peso.

Filipinos are renowned optimists and seem to attain happiness effortlessly, no matter the circumstances. We have a natural ability as a people to always look at the bright side in spite of dire circumstances. Even in the midst of political turmoil or unexpected tragedy, we are able to look into the future with confidence.

But hope should not be the end, but rather a good start. There is a lot we can do to translate optimism into tangible gains.

Globally, new industries and enterprises are developing and creating more jobs and opportunities that require more advanced knowledge, education and more sophisticated skills.

Developing our human capital is the best way to empower our people in a fast-changing world, and consequently, to uplift the living standards of all Filipinos.

This should be the spirit and direction our country must pursue in the coming years. By focusing on science and technology, food and nutrition, health care delivery and other basic social services, we create a fertile ground to plant the seeds of robust growth and development. Then, we will have something to be genuinely hopeful for.