Philippine Tourism: Political Structure & Geography

Philippine Tourism Overview

• Philippine tourism involves political structures, subdivisions, geographical characteristics, and a tourism network system.

Basic Facts

• The Philippines has 7,641 islands.
• The borders of the Philippines include the Philippine Sea to the east, the Celebes Sea to the south, and the South China Sea to the west and north.
• The three major islands are Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, collectively known as LuzViMinda.
• Manila is the capital city of the Philippines, located in Luzon.
• The Philippines has a population of 118.34 million.
• Negritos were the early inhabitants of the Philippines.
• The official name of the Philippines is the Republic of the Philippines.
• The name "Philippines" is derived from King Philip II of Spain.
• The Armed Forces of the Philippines include the Air Force, Navy, and Army, which are responsible for defense.
• The Philippines is an active member of the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Language, People and Culture

• Filipino is the national and first language.
• Tagalog is a dialect.
• English is the second language.
• Notably, the Philippines ranks as the 3rd English-speaking country in the world.
• Thomasites were the initial English teachers.

Ferdinand Magellan

• Ferdinand Magellan rediscovered the Philippines on March 16, 1521.
• Magellan was a Portuguese explorer and navigator under Portugal.
• He set sail from Portugal to Asia.
• Successful landing occurred on Limasawa Island on March 16, 1521.

Spanish Expeditions Post-Magellan

• Multiple expeditions were sent to the Philippines by Spain following Magellan's voyage.
• The Cabot expedition was headed by John Cabot, also known as Giovanni Caboto.
• The aim was to explore Asia's richness, inspired by Magellan's success and the Philippines' natural resources.
• Saavedra was headed by Alvaro De Saavedra Ceron.
• Saavedra's expedition lacked specific mandates.
• The reason for Saavedra's sailing was not the same as previous expeditions.
• Loaisa’s expedition was under the command of Herman Cortez, cousin to the expedition leader, was tasked by his cousin to search for spices in Asia.
• It aimed to locate spice islands with abundant spices.
• Villalobos expedition leader was Ruy Lopez de Villalobos.
• Villalobos is notable for naming the Philippines after the King of Spain.

Spanish Colonization Timeline

• Miguel Lopez de Legazpi was the first Spanish governor of the Philippines and founding father of Manila.
• The Philippines was under Spanish rule for 333 years.
• Many words, food items, and cuisine were influenced by the Spanish.
• American occupation lasted 43 years.
• The Japanese occupation lasted 3 years, characterized by the death march and a dark age.
• The Philippines has a good location for military bases and access via water and air.
• June 12 was declared Independence Day by Diosdado Macapagal.
• Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence from Spain after the battle of Spain Aguinaldo.
• July 4, 1946, declared by American forces.
• Religion in the Philippines was heavily influenced by Spanish colonizers, with most festivals being religious or honoring saints and patrons, such as fiestas.
• Christianity is prevalent, with Roman Catholic, Protestants, and INC being common denominations.

Political Structures and Subdivisions (March 2023)

• The Philippines is divided into 17 regions.
• The distribution of regions across the major islands is as follows: Luzon has 8, Visayas has 3, and Mindanao has 6.
• There are 82 provinces, 148 cities with an emphasis on highly urbanized areas, 1,486 municipalities, and 42,027 barangays, along with 2 autonomous regions.
• Autonomous regions have self-governing rights or powers.
• The two regions are the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
• Region I is the Ilocos Region, which includes Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.
• Region II is the Cagayan Valley Region.
• Region III is Central Luzon.
• Region IV-A is CALABARZON, comprising Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon.
• Region IV-B is MIMAROPA, comprising Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.
• Region V is the Bicol Region.
• The National Capital Region and Cordillera Administrative Region are specified.
• Specific regions within Visayas are Western Visayas (Region VI), Central Visayas (Region VII), and Eastern Visayas (Region VIII).
• Mindanao is divided into Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX), Northern Mindanao (Region X), Davao Region (Region XI), SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII), and Caraga Region (Region XIII).
• Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)

Geographical Characteristics

• The Philippines has numerous active and potentially dangerous volcanoes.
• Mayon and Taal Volcano.
• Volcanoes are situated in Pacific Ring of Fire.
• Dormant and dangerous.
• Mountain ranges offer typhoon protection.
• The Sierra Madre is Luzon's backbone and longest range, extending from Cagayan to Quezon province.
• Rio Grande de Cagayan is Luzon's longest river (315 km).
• Laguna de Bay is the largest lake in the Philippines.

Climate Change

• Average temperature ranges from 78-90 degrees Fahrenheit or 25-32 degrees Celsius.
• Average humidity is 77%.

Tourism Network System

• The tourism network system involves shared information among tourism enterprises.
• Partnerships enhances work efficiency.
• Actual partnership and physical location such as government offices are key.
• Virtual systems facilitate information sharing online without physical presence.

Department of Tourism (DOT)

• Includes attached agencies and other government agencies.

Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA)

• TIEZA replaces the Philippine Tourism Authority and acts as the Department of Tourism's implementing arm for infrastructure development.
• It facilitates investments in Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs) nationwide.
• Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs) are areas for tourism development and infrastructure.
• Bulacan's new international airport and areas are being reclaimed.

Philippine Tourism Promotions Board (PTPB)

• The PTPB, formerly the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation, promotes the Philippines for large-scale events.
• The Philippines is suitable for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions).
• The PTPB markets the Philippines domestically and internationally.

Intramuros Administration

• The Intramuros Administration is responsible for the orderly restoration and development of Intramuros.
• It maintains the original structure and controls development.
• Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

National Parks Development Committee

• The committee develops, preserves, and manages parks like Rizal and Paco Parks.
• Responsible for development and maintenance inside national parks.

Nayong Pilipino Foundation

• The foundation promotes research projects in social sciences and humanities, including those involving facilities maintenance, etc.

Tourist Complex

• The text describes tourist attraction(s) that showcase the miniature of the Philippines.
• Its houses hold historical and cultural Filipino artifacts.

Duty Free Philippines

• The Duty Free Philippines helps to increase foreign exchange.
• It’s located in airport.

Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving

• Aim to promote the Philippines as a premiere diving destination in Asia.

Philippine Retirement Authority

• Aims to promote the Philippines as a suitable destination for retirement.

Other Government Agencies

• Goverment Service Insurance system for government employees
• Pag-ibig for government employees
• PhilHealth
• Social Security System for private or public employees
• Philippine Statistics Authority

Partners with the Tourism Industry

• Living Asia Channel: A travel and lifestyle channel in Asia
• Key Focus: Features destinations and resources within the Philippines.
• SuperFerry, Digital travel magazine
• Public Transportation: Offers services accessible for citizens' transport needs.

Region IX, X and XI

• Home to the Mindanao Island.
• Mindanao Basics: It is the second largest geographical division in the Philippines and dubbed as "the land of promise."
• Produce: Significant producer, providing 40% domestic agricultural output.
• Davao City is a regional Mindanao center.
• Except for Cebuano-speaking communities it bordered by the east-Philippine Sea, west-Sulu Sea, south-Celebes Sea (Mindanao Sea), and north-Mindanao Sea.
• Mt. Apo's summit is the highest point.
• Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) is a major timber exporter.
• Economy: Revolves around agriculture .
• No active volcano.
• Is the second largest mango producer nationally.

Mindanao Regions

• Hesitant Viewpoints: Filipinos and foreigners often hesitate to visit because of safety concerns regarding terrorism, kidnapping, or potential death.
• Paradox: Richest in natural resources, but a stereotype exists deeming it unsafe.
• Poorest provinces.

Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) Map Analysis

• Provinces are Zamboanga Del Norte (Capital Dipolog), Zamboanga Del Sur (Capital Pagadian City), and Zamboanga Sibugay (Capital Ipil) are listed.
• The city of Isabela is included in the archipelago.
• Gloria Macapagal Arroyo transfer was as component City.

Gastronomy

• Cocido is meat w/vegetables.
• Tiulah Itum is spicy beef and goat stew darkened with roasted coconut.
• Beed and Chicken Satti is barbecue.
• Paella is turmeric rice.
• Knicker Bocker is local dessert.
• Curacha is delicacy made of crustaceans that is only abundant in Zamboanga and Sulu.

Zamboanga del Norte

• Tourist Destinations
• Twin Province City: Province with both Dipolog and Dapitan.
• Dapitan Location: Rizal's exile location.
• One of the most popular attractions.

Dakak Beach Resort

• Dakak: Luxury resort that provides white sands and scenery.
• Location: Most visited attraction by Jalosjos.

Gloria's Fantasyland

• Gloria's: Amusement park.
• Location: Managed by Jalosjos.

3003 steps to Linabo Peak

• Linabo: Dipulog's highest elevation that is visited during Holy Week.

Zamboanga del Norte

• Hudayaka Festival is a revelry in Bisaya language.
• Revelry: Celebrated at the founding anniversary that is held every May-June.
• Kinabayo Festival is compare to sinulog and ati-atihan festival
• Re-enactment of the Spanish and Moorish war is celebrated every July in Dapitan.
• Pagsalabok Festival is a celebration between the harmony of Catholic and other cultures that is celebrated every April-May.

Zamboanga del Sur

• Known for rich heritage and pink sand beaches.
• Pulacan Falls is a camping site.
• Dao-daoo Islands is a island that has water transportation.
• Lakewood is a municipality with the Gen. Leonard Wood.
• Megayon Festival is unity of Tri people settlers and Zambosur Summer Youth Fest is arts and sports events.

Tourist Destination

• Zamboanga Subugay are known of pearl and Southern Seas that split provinces that give good economic conditions.

Moalboal caves

• Cave in Titay is rock stone formation with human face images

Sea Snake Sanctuary

• Houses snake kinds that is situated on the 8000 of area

Sibugkey Bay

• Bays of Zamboanga that unpolluted like swimming,and fishing

Zamboanga Sibugay

• Sibug sibug festival anniversary celebration
• Pasalamat festival is seeing celebration in Tungawa

Northern Mindanao

• 60% of the island land has forest 3nd largest of corn and bananas in Philippines

Mount Apo

• Has high mountain of mount Dulang Dulang
• Has city of Kitanqland Has lapanday pineapple farm

Kaamulan festival

• Act of getting together Has festival that bringing ethnic of Bukidnon

Davao del Norte festival

Smallest provin e in northern Mindano

Mount Hibok hibok -volacano

• Active volcano observatory.monitor to volcanic

Quiab church ruins

_ Established In 1697 Glomps of Spanish Camiguin

Sunken cemetary/ Volcanic area

Communities sacrifed that during 1871 - Interestind dive area

Layawan River- camiguin festival

• Constant river awarded during ph Water origin mountain of malidung water

Mt Malingang

Inug ang festival-

Sinulog festival version

Tourist 1

• Mapawa - Nature

San Augustine Cathedral-

Built in 1634

Hiqalaay festival

Annual weekly cdO

Tour destinations -

• Green and nature area

Batanes /

Misa - masss in a good location

Sayang sonq native dish

Beee randq - local dish

inspired y malaysia

ZANBO DE NORTE- culture

Banana capital of a nation Produce of banana. rice

World largfst rasoary

• Designed y. a lo atis

Guimaras bench

Mindano Saga clu

Ultrs. Light for free life -

Camping washion curtasoon

Sambulan fest

Mandaya tribe and commounin

Katindugan fest

Souhtetrm

Created 2013 newest provicd Haa Olaniva Tropocal

Sabang hotel

• has hot water springe

Dairong Fest

Tribe celebration

Padigosa Fest

Foundinf of sity festivq;.

2,286m

Fest

Thanks to abundance Economic Contribr