Gov't celebrates ranking fifth happiest country

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippine government welcomed Sunday a survey showing the Philippines ranked fifth as the happiest country in the world.

"This is welcome news, as Filipinos are known throughout the world not only for being resilient, but also for having a happy and positive attitude in life," said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a statement.

Performance management consulting firm Gallup said the Philippines placed fifth in its Performance Experience Index (PEI) among 143 countries in the world with a score of 80. The results were released just Friday, which was also the United Nations' International Day of Happiness.

The UN's International day of Happiness was established on July 12, 2012, pursuant to the UN General Assembly's Resolution 66/281, and is meant to reinforce the importance of happiness and well- being as universal goals and to make it a part of public policy objectives.