Geography of the Philippines

Geography and Environment

• The South China Sea borders the Philippines to the west.
• The largest city in the Philippines is Quezon City.
• The two seasons in the Philippines are based on the monsoon: wet and dry.
• China does not share a maritime border with the Philippines.
• The ethnic group not mentioned amongst the largest in the Philippines is the Koreans.
• Higher-altitude areas in the Philippines are characterized by a cooler climate.

Concept of Geography

• Geography is defined as the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments.
• Key geographical features of the Republic of the Philippines include its mountainous terrain and extensive coastlines.

Tourism Overview

• Tourism involves the activities of individuals traveling for leisure and enjoyment.
• Visitors, in the context of tourism, include anyone who travels to a destination away from their usual environment.

Cultural Significance

• The term 'Culture' encompasses the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society.
• The Philippines was named after King Philip II of Spain.

Environmental and Development Factors

• Palawan is largely undeveloped due to its rich biodiversity and commitment to conservation.
• The islands of the Sulu group remain uncultivated primarily due to geographical isolation and limited access.
• Most rivers in the Philippines are less than 20 miles long due to the archipelagic nature of the country.

Major Rivers

• The Cagayan River in Luzon is highlighted as one of the major rivers.

Importance of the Pasig River

• The Pasig River holds significant historical and economic importance, serving as a crucial waterway in Metro Manila.

Historical Context of National Symbols

• The creation of the Philippine flag in 1896 was prompted by the revolution against Spanish rule.
• The letter 'K' in the flags used by the Katipuneros symbolized their allegiance to the Katipunan movement.
• Initial flags of the Katipuneros were different in design and color, signifying various factions.

Current Philippine Flag

• The group that hand-sewed the current flag, designed by Emilio Aguinaldo, was led by a member of the revolutionary committee.
• The flag was first displayed on June 12, 1898, during the proclamation of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite.
• General Emilio Aguinaldo designed a new flag during the revolution to represent a united Filipino identity.

Symbolism of the Flag

• The eight rays of the sun on the flag symbolize the first eight provinces that revolted against Spanish rule.
• The blue stripe signifies peace and patriotism, while the three stars represent the major geographical regions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
• The red stripe stands for courage and the willingness to sacrifice.
• Interchanging the two stripes on the flag signifies a state of war, reflecting the readiness to fight for freedom.
• The original Philippine flag is located in the ceremonial hall at the Malacañang Palace.

Test your knowledge on the geography of the Philippines, including details about the flatlands, mountainous terrain, rivers, and arable land across different islands.