Transportation in the Philippines

Here are the study notes:

Accessibility

• The Philippines has 821 commercial passenger and ferry ports and 429 fishing ports as of June 2019, facilitating inter-island travel
• The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), under the Department of Transportation (DOTr), has authority over all public ports

Commercial Port Classifications

• Large Ports operate with 5 or more ferry lines
• Medium Ports operate with 3 to 5 ferry lines
• Small Ports handle 1 to 2 inter-island operations

Ports in Metro Manila

• Metro Manila contains Manila North Harbor, Manila South Harbor, and the Manila International Container Terminal

Air Travel

• The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), under the DOTr, manages technical and standardized aspects of airport operations
• There are 70 airports in the Philippines

Airport Classifications

• International Airports accommodate international flights
• Principal Domestic Airport Class 1 handles aircrafts with at least 100 seats
• Principal Domestic Airport Class 2 handles propeller airplanes with a capacity of 19 seats
• Community Airports serve general aviation purposes like private jets, medical flights, and agricultural aviation and do not operate commercially

International Airports

• The Philippines relies on air travel for international visitors due to its archipelago nature
• Ninoy Aquino International Airport has 4 terminals in Pasay City, Metro Manila
• Bacolod-Silay International Airport is in Silay City, Negros Occidental
• Clark International Airport is in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
• Puerto Princesa International Airport is in Puerto Princesa, Palawan
• Mactan-Cebu International Airport is in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu
• Subic Bay International Airport is in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales
• Francis Bangoy International Airport is in Davao City, Davao del Sur
• General Santos International Airport is in General Santos City, South Cotabato
• Iloilo International Airport is in Cabatuan, Iloilo
• Bicol International Airport is in Daraga, Albay
• Kalibo International Airport is in Kalibo, Aklan
• Laguindingan International Airport is in Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao
• Laoag International Airport is in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
• Zamboanga International Airport is in Zamboanga City
• Godofredo P. Ramos - Caticlan/Boracay Airport (Caticlan, Aklan) is a Principal Domestic Airport Class 2 due to its size, but is used for international arrivals

Brief History

• Chinese settlers and traders are evident by the 10th century AD
• Muslim traders from Borneo spread Islam in the southern part of the country
• The Spanish conquistadores stopped the spread of Islam to the central and northern regions
• Ferdinand Magellan led the Spanish expedition in 1521
• The islands were initially called Las Felipenas and later renamed Las Islas Filipinas
• The Philippines became a U.S. territory in 1898 after the Spanish-American War
• The Philippines achieved self-governance in 1935; independence was delayed by World War II
• U.S. forces liberated the islands in 1944-45 and The Republic of the Philippines was proclaimed in 1946
• The government was patterned after that of the United States
• Ferdinand Marcos was elected president in 1965 and declared martial law from 1972-1981
• Corazon Aquino became president in 1986 and instituted a period of democratic rule

Government

• The Philippines operates as a presidential republic, dividing power among executive, legislative, and judicial branches

Highest Philippine Officials (June 2022)

• President: Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr
• Vice President: Sara Duterte-Carpio
• Senate President: Francis "Chiz" Escudero
• Speaker of the House: Ferdinand Martin Romualdez
• Chief Justice of the Supreme Court: Alexander G. Gesmundo

Government - LGUs

• Local Government Units (LGUs) manage their provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays under the Local Government Code
• Provinces are led by a Governor as chief executive, with a Vice-Governor and Members of the Board as local legislation
• Cities and Municipalities are led by a Mayor, with a Vice-Mayor and Councilors as legislation
• Barangays, the smallest LGU, are led by a Barangay Captain, and the rest are Kagawad
• Leaders are elected for all positions

Major Island Groups

• Luzon, the largest and most populous island, lies in the northern region, spanning 42,458 square miles
• Luzon is divided into Northern, Central, Southern Luzon, and the National Capital Region
• Manila, the country's capital, operates as the hub for economic, social, cultural, and financial activities
• Visayas consists of 5 major islands: Panay, Negros, Cebu, Samar, and Leyte
• Outlying province islands of Guimaras, Bohol, Siquijor, and Biliran are also part of Visayas
• Visayas contains the smallest geographical division and boasts many shores and coast lines
• Mindanao, dubbed the "Land of Promise," is the country's second-largest island and the southern boundary
• Mt. Apo and Mt. Dulang Dulang, the country's tallest mountains, are located there
• Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Camiguin, and Dinagat Islands are outlying island provinces
• The island of Camiguin, with only 5 municipalities, is noted for containing 7 active volcanoes

Major Landforms - Mount Apo:

• Mount Apo in Mindanao is the largest and tallest solfataric mountain in the Philippines, with a height of 9,692 feet
• The mountain lies between Davao City and Davao Sur
• The climate is characterized as tropical rainy climate with rainfall distributed throughout the year
• Mount Apo is home to 272 bird species and 111 endemic species
• Nineteen rivers drain Mount Apo's eight major watersheds
• Bagobo, Ubos, and Tagacaol and five other indigenous groups live around Mount Apo and consider it a sacred worship place

Major Landforms - Aklan:

• Aklan, originally called Minuro, is the oldest province, established in the early 12th century by settlers from Borneo
• Datu Dinagandan, who initiated trade with neighboring islands, was the first ruler
• Kalantiaw seized the throne, and his family governed until the mid-14th century

Major Landforms - Provinces:

• 81 provinces existed as of March 31, 2018
• Palawan, with 17,030.75 sq. kms, is the largest
• Batanes, with a land area of 203.22 sq kms, is the smallest

Climate

• Visiting the country is best from January to May
• November to February are cool, while March to May are hot and dry
• June to October is the rainy season, with July to September experiencing typhoons
• The average temperature is 78 degrees F/25 degrees C, and average humidity is 77%

Language and Dialects

• Filipino/Pilipino and English are the official languages
• The order of use of the eight major dialects are Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon/Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense
• Filipino relates to Malay and Indonesian of the Malayo-Polynesian subgroup
• There are 76 to 78 major language groups, with more than 500 dialects

Major Ethnic Groups

• Ilocanos value a simple lifestyle, money, hard work, and education
• Tagalog-speaking provinces maintain the bayanihan spirit of neighbors helping each other
• Tagalog families are closely-knit with adult children living with their parents
• Bicolanos are religious, conservative with a song and dance culture and prefer spicy food with coconut milk
• Warays in Eastern Visayas are brave and contented yet were perceived as lazy during Spanish rule
• Ilonggos are hospitable, gentle and unhurried
• Mindanao is mainly Muslim with customs and traditions differing from Luzon and Visayas
• The people submit to the will of Allah, practice communal assistance, and help finance relatives' activities

Ethnic Groups and Populations (2010)

• Tagalog: 22,512,089
• Visayan/Bisaya: 10,539,816
• Cebuano: 9,125,637
• Ilokano/Ilocano: 8,074,536
• Hiligaynon/Ilonggo: 7,773,655
• Waray: 3,660,645

National Capital Region

• The National Capital Region is made up of 16 cities and 1 municipality: Caloocan, City of Manila, Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros (Municipality), Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela

Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Provinces and Capitals

• Abra: Bangued
• Apayao: Kabugao
• Benguet: La Trinidad
• Ifugao: Lagawe
• Kalinga: Tabuk
• Mountain Province: Bontoc

Regions

• The Philippines consists of 17 regions

Ilocos Region 1 Provinces and Capitals

• Ilocos Norte:Laoag City
• Ilocos Sur: Vigan City
• La Union: San Fernando
• Pangasinan: Lingayen

Introduction to the Philippines - Geography

• The Philippines is made up of the islands Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao
• Luzon is the largest island
• Mt. Pulag, standing at 2,922 meters above sea level in the Cordillera mountains, is the tallest mountain on Luzon and the 3rd tallest in the country
• The Rio Grande de Cagayan (Cagayan River), spans 505 kilometers and is the longest and widest river
• Palawan is also among the provinces of Luzon and is known as the Philippines' Last Frontier
• Visayas includes the major islands Panay, Negros, Cebu, Samar, and Leyte
• Outlying islands for Visayas are Guimaras, Bohol, Siquijor, and Biliran
• Visayas has the smallest geographical division
• Mt. Kanlaon and the 1,260 Chocolate Hills are in Visayas
• Boracay Island is found in the western side
• Mindanao is the second largest island and is dubbed as the “Land of Promise”
• Mt. Apo and Mt. Dulang Dulang are also in Mindanao
• The outlying islands Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Camiguin, and Dinagat are also in Mindanao
• The island of Camiguin has 7 active volcanoes within 5 municipalities

Introduction to Philippine Tourism - Tourism Industry

• Tourism has economic, environmental, and socio-cultural impacts
• Economic gains can effect individuals, businesses and the tourism industry
• Rich natural sites and resources for nature-based tourism
• Islands relying on tourism for their livelihood
• Biodiversity and cultural practices offer many things to tourists
• RA 9593 has seven goals

Seven Goals of RA 9593

• Philippine Tourism is primarily for the Filipino people
• Promote national identity and a sense of unity
• Sustainable tourism development
• Pursue ecologically sustainable tourism for locals
• Show a favorable international image
• Become a prime tourist “hub” in Asia and be a center for MICE
• Encourage private sector participation and agri-tourism for rural areas

Government Institutions

• The Department of Tourism standardizes, manages, and promotes Philippine Tourism, with a mandate to encourage, promote, and develop
• Its goal is to generate foreign currency and local employment as well as safe, convenient, enjoyable stay

DOT Secretary

• Maria Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco is the current DOT Secretary

DOT Attached Agencies

• Duty Free Philippines operates tax-free merchandising and augments service facilities
• The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) designates, regulates, and supervises Tourism Enterprise Zones, manages tourism infrastructure projects and ensures operator compliance, and functions as the implementing arm
• The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), created via E.O. No 1037 and amended by RA 9593, develops and promotes the Philippines as a retirement haven and to support economic development

Attached Agencies Mandates

• The PRA mandate to develop the Philippines as retirement haven
• Intramuros Administration's mandate is to restore and develop Intramuros as a monument and conserve its value
• The Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving promotes the country as a driving area and formulates safety standards and marine conservation programs
• The National Parks Development Committee manages and develops Rizal and Paco Parks
• The Nayong Pilipino Foundation promotes research and development projects on social sciences, humanities, and related fields

LATEST DOT CAMPAIGNS AND DEVELOPMENTS

• The National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 objective, crafted by the DOT, is to transform the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia
• Tourist Rest Areas vision is to provide convenience and comfort to tourists, provision of clean restrooms, a coffee shop, Pasalubong and Souvenir Store, Tourist Information Area, and a Charging Station
• Anchored on core values, the Department of Tourism developed the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence program focused on Filipino hospitality

NON-GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONS INVOLVED IN PHILIPPINE TOURISM

• PTAA: Philippine Travel Agencies Association organized travel agencies catering to individual and group clients
• PHILTOA: Philippine Tour Operators’ Association is organized registered tour operators arranging packages for travelers
• TIBFI: Tourism Industry Board Foundation, Inc. (tripartite body representing government, private sector, and labor) aims to provide manpower development
• HRAP: Hotels and Restaurant Associate, lead role as an organization representing the business sector,non profit
• PACEOS Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers promotes professionals in the industry

VARIOUS ACADEMIC ORGANIZATIONS

• COHREP - Council of Hotels and Restaurant Educators of the Philippines
• AAHRMEI - Association of Administrators in Hospitality, Hotel and Restaurant Management Educational Institutions
• UFTE - Union of Filipino Tourism Educators
• PARTH - Philippine Association of Researchers for Tourism and Hospitality

Lesson 3: Ilocos Region (Region 1) Characteristics

• Tourism includes: Calle Crisologo, Pagudpud beaches, and selfies at the Bangui windmills

The province tourism activities:

Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan

Tourist transportation and access:

Ilocos Norte include: Laoag City Ilocos Sur include: Vigan City La Union include: San Fernando City Pangasinan include: Lingayen

ILOCAS NORTE

• Paoay Church has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for traditions of pottery and weaving
• Cape Bojeador is the tallest lighthouse in the Philippines
• Referred to as the “Baracay of the North”, the sea of Pagudpud Beach is found on the West side

More Spots on Ilocas Norte

• Burgos Is known for the creamy white limestone formations
• Known for local Filipino movies
• Bangui Turbines benefits towns

Festivities

• Festival starts mark/smears starts with the town mayor

Must Try FOOD

• Pinakbet pizza uses the bagoong sauce
• Fried pork bagnet
• Vegan Poqui Poqui

IIocos Tour

• World famous “HERATIGE HAVEN”
• Capital Ilocos Sur that was described the town.

VIGAN

• January 22 themed
• 1st week

APOSTO

• Fabric
• 1st Phillipino worker

Longganisa

• Meat used

LA UNION

• Surf areas of young.

LOVE Slogan

• “Live own”

Cagyan Vallery

• Most parts are within the areas of Cordillera
• Eastern is a pacific beaches/coves
• Natural wonders

Provinces

• Batanes
• Cagayan
• Isabela
• Vizcaya
• Quirino

BATANES

• Nature and flora

Most notable spots

• Ahaw
• Houses as well as rest stops
• Basco hills

Major Fests.

• Kulay
• Bayanihan

Other

• Cagywan is good for diving and has 35.
• Tagay
• Calloway

OTHER

• Iba as well as Magal ISABELLA

• Rice and corn

• 350 caves

Other notable spots

• Alcala
• Magat
• Sierra Madre
• Butaka

Nuerra Vizcaya

• Bisca
• Central luzon
• Caves MAMMALS

Quirino Prov

• Forest area
• Aglippay

OTHERS

• BIMMOR

Cordilleras Fests etc Abra

• Bangued and more

Other key notes

• Highways
• Ppl and weaving in Abra

Others in other areas

Benguet Ifugao Tadian Sagada Sagudin