DAVAOEÑOS` TRUST AND CONFIDENCE TOWARDS THE KEY NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
The University of Mindanao – Institute of Popular Opinion (UM-IPO) conducted an online survey from January 9 – 26, 2026 targeting 1, 200 Davaoeños from the three districts of the City of Davao to assess their trust and confidence towards the key national government agencies (NGAs) in the country. The coverage of the survey asks whether they express much, little, or no trust or undecided in their performances.
Since the survey was done online via sponsored ads on three Meta platforms (Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram), IPO relied heavily on online, pre-defined, targeted social media users, such as Davaoeños, who met the inclusion criteria and are targeted for contact within the defined geographical radius. Respondents were defined to be at least 18 years old, have valid/ active email addresses and shall have resided in any district in Davao City. The survey was done at a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error.
Top-Performing Departments (Net Trust)
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) ranks first, with the highest net trust (41.30%) supported by a combined trust level of 87%. Moreover, the Department of Education (DepEd) ranks second with a net trust of 37% while the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) follows closely at third with a net trust rating of 36.90%. The Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also obtained net trust ratings of 34.80% and 30.50%, respectively, placing them fourth and fifth in the overall ranking.
Table 1. Satisfaction and Confidence Towards Key National Agencies in the Philippines Affecting/ Influencing Region XI
Note: Trust (+60 to +100 – very strong trust; +30 to +59 – strong trust; +10 to +29 – mild trust; -9 to +9 – neutral/ balanced;
-10 to -29 – mild trust; -30 to -59 – strong distrust; -60 to -100 – very strong distrust)
Net trust is calculated as the difference of ‘much’ and ‘none’ while confidence deficit is calculated as the sum of ‘little’ and ‘none’ minus ‘much.’
Mid-Tier Departments
Departments such as Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) fall within the middle ranks. These agencies exhibit moderate net trust but relatively high undecided responses implying mixed views or limited public familiarity with their programs.
Lower-Performing Departments
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) ranks last (16th) with a negative net trust of -13.10%, driven by a high level of distrust. Also, the Department of Justice records a 0.00% net trust indicating an even split between trust and distrust. Meanwhile, the Department of Finance (DOF) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) post low net approvals of 4.40% each reflecting public concerns related to the performance of these two departments in terms of fiscal management and budget execution.
Synthesis
The results showed that Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) emerged as the most-trusted government agencies. On the other hand, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Health, Finance, Labor and Employment, and Justice, recorded the lowest trust and highest confidence deficits reflecting public concern over their performance and service delivery.
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