August 26-September 5, 2005 Social Weather Survey:
Filipino Opinions About Islam Grow More Favorable
Social Weather Stations
Opinions of Filipinos about Islam and Muslims grew more favorable in the Social Weather Stations national survey of August 26 - September 5, 2005, compared to SWS surveys of earlier years.
63% favorable opinion on Islam
The August 26 - September 5, 2005 Social Weather Survey found 63% having a favorable view towards Islam, an increase from 52% in August 2004. The increase is evident across all areas and economic classes.
Two-thirds say Islam Respects Non-Muslim Beliefs and Is a Peaceful Religion
The survey found that 66% of Filipinos believe Islam respects the beliefs of non-Muslims which is similar to 62% in June 2003.
The survey also recorded an increase in the view that Islam is a religion of peace and not of violence, with 67% saying that it is a peaceful religion up from 44% in November 2002. The increase is evident in all areas and economic classes.
Net trust in Muslims Becomes Positive
Plurality (44%) agreed that Muslims are as trustworthy as any other Filipino, while 26% disagreed, for a net agreement of +19.
This is an improvement from -12 in November 2001, where 29% agreed to the test statement vs. 40% disagreed.
Positive net agreements were recorded in all areas except in Visayas where it remained divided.
Unfamiliarity with Islam
In the new survey, those with extensive or partial but sufficient knowledge of the teachings and beliefs of Islam is 22%, compared to 78% who said they have little or no knowledge about it.
Knowledge of the teachings and beliefs of Islam is highest in Mindanao.
Survey Background
The Social Weather Surveys referred to here used face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults divided into random samples of 300 each in Metro Manila, the Balance of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao (sampling error margins of ±3% for national percentages and ±6% for area percentages).
In the new Social Weather Survey, all interviews outside Metro Manila were completed during August 26-31. In Metro Manila, 259 interviews were done over August 26-31; the balance of 41 interviews were completed over September 1-5.
The items described in this release were not commissioned, but were included on SWS's own initiative. The quarterly Social Weather Surveys are supported by subscribers, who have no proprietary rights over the data. The Fourth Quarter 2005 Social Weather Survey will be fielded sometime in November.
Source: Social Weather Station
