Personally, I dream of a country, where dreams are possible. It’s not such an impossible dream, except that dreams-come-true among us Filipinos remain exceptional, not quite common. What I’d like to see in 2025 is more opportunities for Filipinos to seek a life that makes the most of their skills, abilities, and visions, even if the vision is limited to personal success. We have a relatively young population. Our median age in 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, is 25.7. Dreams are strong in the young, and if we empower them, both the dreams and the dreamers, can you imagine what we can build together? But first we have to make sure that in our country dreaming is not a waste of time, a fountain of frustration, a well of disappointment, or akin to shooting rubberbands at the stars. I asked some of our movers and shakers about the change they would like to see in the Philippines in 2025 and here are their answers.

RAMON S. ANG

Chairman

San Miguel Corporation

In 2025, I’d like to see us focus more on working together for the good of our country. We’re facing big challenges like climate change, food insecurity, inequality, and inadequate infrastructure—problems no one can solve alone. We need less division and negativity, and more of helping one another and showing genuine malasakit. If we can shift from pulling each other down to lifting each other up, we will have a better chance at real progress. That’s the change I hope to see.

SONNY ANGARA

Secretary

Department of Education

In 2025, I am hoping that more people will think about and prioritize education, given our demographic of having a young population while the world is aging and changing. It’s a golden opportunity for the Philippines for the next few years to invest in our young people and to help them fulfill their—and our country’s—full potential.

BEN CHAN

Founder and CEO

Bench and Suyen Corporation

My wish for 2025 is for the Philippines to develop economically like our ASEAN neighbors, such as Thailand and Singapore. I believe our country is ripe for growth and this positive change would be the best gift we can give to the next generation.

TESSIE SY-COSON

Vice chairperson

SM Prime Investments Corporation

Peace and stability for this country.

ALICE EDUARDO

President and CEO

Sta. Elena Construction

As we step into the first quarter of the 21st century, my wish for the Philippines is for stronger economic inclusivity. I envision a nation where every Filipino, regardless of background, has access to quality education, a good healthcare system, stable livelihoods, and opportunities to thrive. May the gap between the rich and poor narrow, and may sustainability, innovation, and social equity guide the nation’s progress.

SOFIA ELIZALDE

Vice president

Museo Pambata

Founder, Steps Dance Studio/Steps Scholarship Foundation

My family and I are animal lovers, and are very active in supporting animal shelters, spay and neuter programs, and adoptions of our local aspins and cats. My wish for 2025 is that more support is given to incredible animal shelters like Biyaya Animal Sanctuary, God’s Home of Refuge, Pawssion Project Foundation, and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society. They work so hard in educating and rescuing strays. The world would be a better place if we were all kinder to animals. 

CHIZ ESCUDERO

Senate president

Republic of the Philippines

As we welcome 2025, the first quarter of this new century, the one change I would like to see in the Philippines is a greater focus on sustainable development. This encompasses not only economic growth but also environmental protection and social inclusion, which are equally important. Furthermore, as we approach the mid-term elections, I sincerely hope that voters will choose leaders who are committed to genuine change and progress. Electing the right leaders is crucial for addressing issues like poverty, which continues to affect many Filipinos. By choosing leaders who prioritize poverty alleviation and social reforms, we can work toward a more equitable and prosperous society.

MINA PANGANDAMAN

Secretary

Department of Budget and Management

Amid too much hostility in the air these days, my only hope and prayer is that we replace animosity with empathy, ruthlessness with kindness, and bitterness with mutual respect and understanding. Let us turn conflicts into opportunities for collaboration. We have the power to build a nation that stands strong against any challenge, united not by what divides us, but by our shared dreams and our love for this beautiful country. Let us all commit to being our best selves, working together to forge a stronger, more compassionate nation for the Filipino people.

ROBINA GOKONGWEI-PE

President and COO

Robinson's Retail Holdings

More emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in schools.

STANLEY NG

President

Philippine Airlines

In 2025, I hope we all work together more. A collaborative approach is the best way we can find solutions to pressing problems that affect all of us—sustainability, poverty, climate change, equal access to education...

HANS SY 

Chairman, executive committee

SM Prime Investments Corp.

My wish for 2025 is mandatory education to better prepare our country’s youth for a more rewarding future.

MARK VILLAR

Senator

Republic of the Philippines

After successfully pushing for the passage of the Anti-Financial Scamming Act, I hope that we see a significant reduction of scamming in our country.