MANILA, Philippines — As Christmas lights brighten streets and Filipinos mark the season with public celebrations, new data highlights a less festive but critical factor behind national well-being. Insights from the World Happiness Report 2025, as explained by Dr. Alicor Panao, associate professor at the University of the Philippines, point to a truth that goes beyond seasonal cheer—happiness is built not only on celebration, but on trust. Panao, INQUIRER Metrics data scientist, said that the findings show that while social support plays a significant role in shaping happiness, distrust in government and business can erode it. READ: Citizens vs corruption […]... Keep on reading: Institutional integrity key to national happiness – report