Many Filipinos still prefer to continue wearing face masks even if the COVID-19 pandemic will be controlled, according to OCTA Research on Tuesday, Sept. 13.

A non-commissioned survey conducted from April 22 to 25, 2022, was presented by OCTA Research fellow Ranjit Rye following the executive order signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor and open areas.

The survey results showed that 30 percent of the adult population answered that they will still wear face masks, 6 months after the spread of COVID-19 is declared controlled.

“Twenty-eight percent [of the respondents], this is an incredible number, will continue wearing face masks, one year after COVID-19 is declared controlled,” Rye said during an online forum organized by Kamuning Bakery Cafe.

About 16 percent answered they prefer to continue wearing face masks even after two years, and 18 percent answered they will still use face masks five years after the coronavirus spread is said to be controlled.

“These are huge numbers. There seems to be a consensus among adult Filipinos that masks are important and that we don’t need to encourage them. They will wear masks because of their belief that it is for their own safety. I think we can build on this as far as our evolving COVID response program is consent,” Rye said.

He added that survey results imply that adults will wear masks voluntarily even if they were not told.

“This jives very well to the new policy of President BBM on outdoor masking. We don’t need to mandate it. People will wear it voluntarily and the big chunk of the population will continue to wear it even after COVID is declared gone,” the OCTA Research fellow said.

On Monday, Marcos signed Executive order no 3 that eases the mandatory wearing of face masks in outdoor settings.

"The voluntary wearing of face masks in open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation, is hereby allowed, provided that not fully-vaccinated individuals, senior citizens and immunocompromised individuals are highly encouraged to wear their masks, and physical distancing will be observed at all times," the order reads.

Meanwhile, the President also signed on Wednesday the Proclamation no. 57 extending the period of the state calamity in the country due to COVID-19 pandemic until Dec. 31, 2022.