10 Questions
Which event led to the flooding of land bridges connecting Asia and the Philippines?
The melting of ice caps
What geographical feature lies south of the Philippine Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone?
Zulu and Celebes Seas
Which island is declared to be a part of the Philippines and administered as a municipality of Palawan?
Kalayaan (Spratly) Island
How does the Philippines contribute to democracy in Asia according to the text?
By being a bastion of democracy
What is significant about the San Juanico Strait in the Philippines?
It is the narrowest strait in the world
According to Christians, how do they believe the land forms in the Philippines were created?
As part of God's creation
Which theory suggests that the Philippines was part of a prehistoric continent called 'Mu' or 'Lemuria' in the Pacific Ocean?
The geologist claim about 'Mu' or 'Lemuria'
What do legends or myths aim to do according to the text?
Explain things in a colorful way
Which explanation suggests that the islands of the Philippines emerged gradually above the ocean due to natural phenomena?
The theory that it was part of the 'Sunda Shelf'
What do some tribes use legends for?
To explain things in a colorful way
Study Notes
Origin of the Philippines
- Christians believe that God created the land forms as part of his creation
- Many continents and islands emerged after the Great Flood in Noah's time
- Legends and myths from different tribes and religions explain the origin of the land in a colorful way
- Scientists have different opinions about the origin of the Philippines
- One theory is that the Philippines was part of the prehistoric continent called "Mu" or "Lemuria" in the Pacific Ocean
- Another theory is that the Philippines was part of the "Sunda Shelf" or the continental shelf of Asia
Location and Boundaries
- The Philippines lies in Southeast Asia, a little above the Equator, between latitudes 4'23'N and longitude 116° E and 127°E
- It is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the South China Sea to the west, the Bashi channel, and the Zulu and Celebes Seas to the south
- The northernmost island is Y'ami, and the southernmost island is Saluag Isle
Importance of the Philippines' Location
- The Philippines is the only Christian nation in the non-Christian Asian world
- It is a melting pot of races and cultures, with a unique heritage from Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America
- It is the bridge that links the Occidental and Oriental worlds
Area and Geography
- The total land area of the Philippines is 300,780 sq. km. or 0.2% of the world's land mass
- It has 7,107 islands, making it one of the world's largest archipelagos
- The 11 main islands and their areas are: Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Panay, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, and Masbate
Topography
- The Philippines is an inverted Y-shaped archipelago of numerous islands, islets, coral reefs, abundant rivers, lakes, and bays
- It has the longest discontinuous coastline in the world - 34,600 km
- It has 61 natural harbors and 20 landlocked straits
- Manila Bay is the finest harbor in Asia and also the largest Bay in the Philippines
Test your knowledge on the origin and geography of the Philippines, focusing on the physical environment and its natural resources. Explore different explanations for the origin of the Philippine land, including religious beliefs and tribal stories.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
