Philippines is 4th happiest country in Southeast Asia

The Philippines slipped to 57th place out of 147 countries in the latest World Happiness Report (WHR), despite showing an improvement in its overall happiness score.

In the latest WHR released on Thursday, the Philippines’ level of happiness rose to 6.107 out of 10 in 2025 from 6.048 previously.

The level of happiness is based on the self-assessed life evaluations averaged for the 2022-2024 period.

Last year’s report showed the Philippines ranked 53rd out of 143 countries, marking its highest placement in four years.

The Philippines is the fourth happiest in the Southeast Asian region, behind Singapore (ranked 34th with a score of 6.565), Vietnam (ranked 46th with a score of 6.352), and Thailand (ranked 49th with a score of 6.222).

The report is published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in partnership with Gallup and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Nordic nations continued to be the happiest in the world, led by Finland for the eighth consecutive year, which scored 7.736 out of 10. Denmark ranked second, followed by Iceland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, Norway, Israel, Luxembourg and Mexico.

The US fell to its lowest-ever ranking of 24th.

At the bottom is Afghanistan, which was once again the unhappiest country in the world. Also at the bottom were Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.

Experts analyzed data across six key factors: gross domestic product per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption.

“We previously found a global surge in benevolent acts during 2020, led by the helping of strangers, which continued through subsequent years. Last year, we found these acts to be prevalent in all generations, especially among Millennials and Gen Z. We suggested that this upsurge of benevolent acts might have led people to feel better about themselves and their neighbors,” the report said.

The WHR noted that acts of kindness remain 10% more frequent across all generations and in nearly all global regions compared with 2017–2019, even as trends gradually return to pre-pandemic levels.

“Global evidence on the perceived and actual return of lost wallets shows that people are much too pessimistic about the kindness of their communities compared to reality. Actual rates of wallet return are around twice as high as people expect,” the report said.

“Believing that others are willing to return your lost wallet is also shown to be a strong predictor of population happiness,” it added.

Over the past 15 years, inequality in happiness within countries has been increasing, while inequality in happiness between countries has remained relatively stable.

Despite this, WHR noted prosocial behavior, or altruism, declined in the Philippines. The decrease was largely associated with a decrease in donating money.

“The average change is -0.23 percentage points per year… the decrease was prevalently associated with a decrease in donating money,” it added.

“However, this increase masks two contrasting trends: on the one hand, an increase in the share of people helping others (0.56); on the other hand, a decrease in volunteering (-0.15).”

In terms of regional patterns of social connection, the WHR noted data from the Government Finance Statistics showed that while most young adults report having at least one social connection, a significant number are socially isolated.

Across 22 countries and regions, 17% of young adults report having no close relationships, including family and friends.

Japan stands out with over 30% of its young adult population experiencing social isolation. In contrast, countries like Nigeria, Egypt, and the Philippines report significantly lower rates, with less than 10% of young adults lacking close connections.

Other key findings were that 19% of young adults in 2023 across the world reported having no one they could count on for social support.

In addition, the study showed significant differences in meal-sharing rates exist worldwide, with meal-sharing having a profound impact on subjective well-being, comparable to the effects of income and unemployment.

Moreover, social connections are essential for the well-being of young adults, offering a protective buffer against the harmful effects of stress.

Deaths of despair are less common in countries where acts of kindness are more frequent.

In the US and parts of Europe, declining happiness and social trust have contributed to increasing political polarization and a rise in anti-system votes.

Sought for comment, Federation of Free Workers (FFW) Vice-President Julius H. Cainglet said the dip in altruistic behavior among Filipinos may be attributed to low wages.

“Workers, even if they are willing to give simply cannot give since they have nothing owing to the meager increase in wages over the past two years given by regional wage boards that have not been enough to cover the lost value of wages,” he said in a Viber chat.

The inability to meet their families’ basic needs has caused significant stress and anxiety among workers, he added.

“Having extra money would have helped by enabling workers and their families to engage in more social and recreational activities. Thus, increasing wages to living wage levels would greatly contribute to regaining the Country’s spot atop the prosocial behavior ratings and the happiness index,” he added.

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Source: Business World

Land-area minimums imposed for pharma economic zones

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said pharmaceutical economic zones (pharma zones) must be built on sites with an area of at least 10,000 square meters (sq.m.) in major cities.

According to PEZA Board Resolution No. 25-050, the minimum size applies to pharma the minimum contiguous land area for pharma zones in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other metropolitan areas.

The minimum land requirement for pharma zones outside the NCR and other metropolitan areas is 50,000 sq.m.

“The release of the guidelines provides clear direction on the establishment of pharma zones,” PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said.

“These zones are expected to attract substantial pharma, medical, and healthcare-related investments, advanced technology, and increase local production and research — creating numerous jobs and enhancing the country’s export potential — positioning the Philippines as a competitive player in the global pharmaceutical market,” he added.

According to the investment promotion agency, the board approved the guidelines in a meeting late last month.

“The move was in response to the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to make medicines more accessible to the Filipino people and to encourage more local producers to boost their R&D and manufacturing capabilities and lower drug costs for the general public,” PEZA said.

Aside from the land area requirements, the guidelines also outlined the preferred investments that can be registered with PEZA to avail of incentives on offer for pharma zones.

These activities include research, development, and manufacturing of medical drugs and devices, active ingredients, biologicals, vaccines, in vitro diagnostic reagents, and radiation-emitting devices or equipment.

“This shall include activities related to raw materials, packaging materials, and other pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or health products as may be certified by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration),” according to the resolution.

It added that the “pharma zone registered business enterprise (RBE) shall efficiently operate and contribute to the development of the preferred area in particular and of the national economy in general.”

Under Title XIII of the Tax Code, fiscal incentives that pharma zone RBEs are eligible for include income tax holidays, special corporate income tax, and enhanced deductions regimes, among others.

Aside from the fiscal incentives, the RBEs can also employ foreign nationals in executive, supervisory, or advisory positions, with PEZA visas allowing multiple entry issued to non-resident foreign nationals and their qualified dependents.

They can also enjoy streamlined processing of applications for environmental compliance certificates and applications for permits, licenses, or certifications, and simplified customs procedures.

However, the resolution clarified that partially developed or existing economic zones, facilities, and existing RBEs are not entitled to the incentives.

Source: Business World

Filipino youth are optimistic for the future

More than four in five Filipino youth have a positive outlook for the next five years, according to a new collaborative study by Vero Advocacy and Kadence International. However, this optimism is tempered by a strong demand for urgent reforms in employment, education, and healthcare.

The study surveyed over 2,700 Gen Z and Millennials across six Southeast Asian countries, including 453 respondents from the Philippines. Vero Advocacy, a government relations arm, and Kadence International, a global market research agency, aim to explore the shared perspectives of these generations, uncovering their aspirations and challenges to help guide governments and the private sector in developing policies and initiatives that address current needs and drive long-term growth.

According to the survey, 43% of Gen Z Filipinos expect a “much better” future, and 42% anticipate a “better” life in the next five years – only slightly higher than the combined optimism rate of Millennial Filipinos, which stands at 84%. Overall, Filipino youth are more optimistic than their peers in Singapore (69%) and Malaysia (77%), with similar levels of hope for the future as young people in Indonesia (89%), Vietnam (89%), and Thailand (87%).

Both Gen Zs and Millennials in the Philippines, however, identified employment opportunities, quality education, and accessible healthcare as their top challenges. Though these issues are prevalent across the surveyed markets, satisfaction rates for these three areas of concern were the lowest among Filipino respondents. Other concerns include environmental protection, affordable housing, and effective taxation and resource management.

Employment opportunities – or the lack thereof – create uncertainty

Many young Filipinos feel uncertain about their professional futures, with 35% of Gen Z and Millennial respondents expressing a dissatisfaction over job security. Indeed, Filipino youth were the least satisfied with job security among the six countries surveyed, with a 29% satisfaction rate that lags far behind the second lowest satisfaction rate of 43% for Malaysia.

It comes as no surprise, then, that 31% of Gen Z Filipinos and 36% of Millennial Filipinos ranked employment opportunities as the top challenge they face, with most citing a lack of jobs as a key issue. For these young generations, securing a stable job is directly tied to achieving a stable life, as it ensures not just the ability to meet daily needs, but also long-term access to healthcare, housing, and further education.

To help address this issue, Filipino youth are calling for job creation programs and better employment services like career counseling and job placement schemes. These can provide students with the mentorship and opportunities they need to succeed in their chosen careers. Many also feel that additional training and education can help bridge the gap between workers and employers, helping young people align their skills with the evolving work landscape and establish sustainable careers.

High education costs education limit opportunities for Filipino youth

As with job security, Filipinos are the least satisfied with the cost of education in the region, with a satisfaction rate of 43% for Gen Z and 38% for Millennials.

Most respondents cited high costs as the main impediment to accessing quality education in the country, as families must contend with not just tuition, but also other school-related expenses like books, notebooks, uniforms, daily allowance, and special projects, school year after school year. The high cost of education is one of the main reasons why many young people forego secondary and tertiary education in the country, which further limits their employment opportunities and prevents them from building stable careers—and, by extension, a stable future.

Aside from cost, 31% of Gen Z and 30% of Millennial Filipinos cite the quality of education as the top challenge faced by the country. Many believe that the government should prioritize investments in educational facilities and technology, as well as enhanced professional development for educators. Gen Z Filipinos were more likely to indicate more support for students with special needs as something they would like to see in the future, while Millennial Filipinos raise the importance of regular review of and updates to school curricula to better prepare students for the future.

Healthcare access remains elusive for Filipino youth

Despite healthcare being a constitutional right, six out of ten Filipinos die without seeing a doctor, according to statistics from the Department of Health. Access to healthcare remains elusive for most Filipinos, with 10% of Filipino Gen Zs and 14% of Filipino Millennials citing it as the top challenge faced by the country.

Similar to employment opportunities and education costs, Philippine satisfaction rates for healthcare are the lowest in the regional survey, with only 36% of Filipino youth (39% of Gen Z and 34% of Millennials) saying they are satisfied with the current healthcare system in the country. 50% indicate that the high costs of healthcare services and treatments are a major challenge to accessing healthcare, while 25% point to the limited availability of facilities and equipment.

To improve the situation, survey respondents feel that the government must address issues of affordability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare services in the country.

Affordable housing options and better living conditions:

Young Southeast Asians, who are ushering in a new wave of urban mobility as they seek education and careers in major cities, dream of homes that offer comfort, security, and access to essential services, such as public transport, healthcare, and education. This is often tied to the broader goal of becoming financially independent and moving out of their family homes in the name of freedom, convenience, and personal growth.

All hands in: Recommendations for public policy and private initiatives

“As Southeast Asia’s youth are poised to drive the region’s future,” explained Pongsiri, Managing Partner at Vero Advocacy, “addressing these challenges is not just beneficial but essential for harnessing their full potential and ensuring a sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”

With its expertise in government relations in Southeast Asia, Vero Advocacy recognizes the essential link between youth, private stakeholders, and government. By understanding young people’s concerns, Vero Advocacy underscores the need for meaningful engagement and effective responses from governments and companies to create inclusive and sustainable policies and initiatives.

• Youth-Centric Policies – Governments should prioritize initiatives that guarantee access to quality education, expand job opportunities, and improve healthcare affordability and accessibility. By focusing on these areas, they can create a supportive environment for young people to thrive.

• Genuine Youth Engagement – It is crucial to involve young people in policy dialogues and decision-making processes. Their insights and perspectives should be actively sought, ensuring that their voices are both heard and valued in shaping policies that impact their future.

• Dedicated Spaces for Youth Advocacy – Establishing dedicated forums or platforms where youth can freely share their advocacy efforts is vital. These spaces should facilitate open dialogue, encourage innovative thinking, and provide opportunities for young individuals to highlight their contributions to national development.

• Support for Entrepreneurs – The private sector should develop entrepreneurial programs that leverage existing resources and expertise. By offering funding and training, businesses can nurture creativity and business acumen, empowering a new generation of innovators and leaders.

• Corporate Social Responsibility – Businesses should embed youth-centric goals into their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies, focusing on initiatives that uplift communities and address social issues pertinent to young people. This alignment will foster a more inclusive approach to social development.

“With Gen Z and Millennials comprising over half of the Philippine population, it is critical for leaders and changemakers to listen to their needs,” said Gio Tingson, Youth Advocate and former Chairperson of the National Youth Commission. “Many of us often hear and repeat Dr. Jose Rizal’s statement about youth being the hope of the motherland. But while it is true that young people are eager to effect change, it is just as important for us to listen to them and empower them with the tools they need to succeed and build a future that is sustainable for all.”

Source: Adobo Mag