Philippine Tourism, Geography & Culture PDF

**College: HUMAN ECOLOGY** **Campus : BAYOMBONG** **DEGREE PROGRAM** **BSTM/BSHM** **COURSE NO.** **SPECIALIZATION** **COURSE TITLE** **Philippine Tourism, Geography & Culture** **YEAR LEVEL** 2^nd^ Year **TIME FRAME** **3 hours** **WK NO.** **01** **IM NO.** 01 I. **UNIT TITLE/CHAP...

**College: HUMAN ECOLOGY** **Campus : BAYOMBONG** **DEGREE PROGRAM** **BSTM/BSHM** **COURSE NO.** **SPECIALIZATION** **COURSE TITLE** **Philippine Tourism, Geography & Culture** **YEAR LEVEL** 2^nd^ Year **TIME FRAME** **3 hours** **WK NO.** **01** **IM NO.** 01 I. **UNIT TITLE/CHAPTER TITLE** **[PHILIPPINE TOURISM: AN OVERVIEW]** II. **LESSON TITLE** A. Economic Aspect B. Socio-Cultural Aspect C. Environmental Protection D. The 4 A's of Tourism E. Basic Facts about the Philippines III. **LESSON OVERVIEW** IV. **DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES** 1. accept the economic value of the tourist destinations in the different provinces and cities of the Philippines; 2. identify the various provinces in each region and town, and chartered and component cities in each province on a blank map; 3. identify the major access routes to major domestic destinations; 4. name and describe major attractions in each province; 5. know the cultural differences and similarities among the major ethnic groups in the country; and 6. improve their research and presentation skills. V. **LESSON CONTENT** A. **PHILIPPINE TOURISM: AN OVERVIEW** - *The Philippines is a beautiful and archipelagic country. On top of its natural and cultural/heritage attractions are the friendliest, most hardworking, and considered the most hospitable people in the world. Filipinos are bilingual, making it easy for foreign tourists to communicate with locals of different destinations.* - *The Philippines has several UNESCO World Heritage sites.* - *These include the cultural Baroque Churches of the Philippines, such as the San Agustin Church in Manila, Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte, Sta. Maria Church in Ilocos Sur, and Miag-ao in Ilo-ilo.* - *The Historic Town of Vigan and Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras are among those listed under cultural heritage.* - *Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Eastern Mindanao, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park in Palawan are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites under Natural Category.* - *The Philippines is also home to the internationally acclaimed white sand beaches of Boracay, Coron, El Nido, and Panglao.* - *Tourism in the Philippines has become a valuable economic, social and cultural driver. Its impacts have been far and wide based on arrival rates each year. Based on origin, international tourism and domestic tourism are the two distinct types of tourism.* - ***International Tourism** -- refers to tourism that crosses national borders.* - ***Domestic Tourism** -- defined as travel made within one's country of residence.* - *There is no discounting the fact that with cheaper and easier ways of travel, social media, and higher disposable income, more and more people will be travelling within and outside their countries. As domestic tourism develops, economic and socio-cultural impacts and environmental protection need to be addressed.* B. **ECONOMIC ASPECT** - *On the economic vantage point, domestic tourism contributes vastly in increasing a country's economic activity.* - *In the Philippines, domestic tourism activity has become increasingly high. Domestic tourists outnumber international tourists ten times more.* - *Domestic tourism expenditure, which includes expenditure of resident visitors within the country either as domestic trip or part of an international trip, has grown because of tourism.* - *In terms of employment, tourism and related industries have grown considerably: 1 out of 10 jobs are tourism-related.* C. **SOCIO-CULTURAL ASPECT** - *The Philippine culture is a blend of the Malay-Polynesian, Hispanic, and Western cultures with some influence from the Chinese and other Asian cultures.* - *Having Spain colonizes us for more than 300 years and the Americans thereafter, have made the Filipinos a melting pot of different cultures. With the increasing number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and international travel, the Filipino culture continues to evolve.* - *Filipinos have a very strong sense of family and kapwa (others). This is evident in the way we give importance to our relationships with others.* - *The Filipinos are known to be one of the most hospitable people in the world wherein we think of others as part of themselves and their family.* - *Filipinos are also lovers of art in many forms. Music is an integral part of the Filipino culture as evidenced by singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. The town fiestas celebrated in different parts of the country is a testimony of the Filipinos' faith and gratefulness to patron saints where many religious activities, street dancing, singing and eating are all parts of the celebration.* D. **ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION** - *One of the major threats to environmental protection is the continuous growth of tourism industry. The implementation of laws and other policies in favor of the environment has to be strictly enforced for tourism development to be sustainable.* - *The Philippines has the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to oversee the protection of the environment in line with proposed tourism development in various areas.* E. **THE 4 A'S OF TOURISM** - *The succeeding chapters are organized in a manner that is in line with the 4 A's of tourism -- access, attractions, accommodations, and activities. The 4 As need to be addressed for domestic tourism to flourish in any destinations.* - ***ACCESS** -- land, sea and air access to and from the destination as well as within the destination should be relatively fast and easy. Tourists would not want to be travelling the whole day. They prefer to be spending time on the destination than on the bus, boat, or plane. Roads, bridges, and ports should be developed to acceptable levels to accommodate the influx of tourists.* - ***ATTRACTIONS** -- the main reason tourists go to a destination is because of its attractions. The attraction can be cultural/heritage/historic, natural, and/or built/man-made. There should be a good mix of these types for good variety.* - ***ACCOMMODATIONS** -- there should be a wide range of accommodations that vary from budget, mid-range, and deluxe. This way, the destination can attract tourists from a wide demographic profile. Accommodations should include the most basic needs of a comfortable bed, clean toilets, and food services. Wi-Fi access is becoming a necessity for tourist to connect with their loved ones.* - ***ACTIVITIES** -- The destination should also offer variety of activities located close to each other. The activities should be connected to each other with varying degrees within a similar theme. Themes would include adventure, health and wellness, medical, sports, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and events), etc. For example, if a destination wants to be known as an adventure destination, then activities should range from soft, medium, and hard adventure activities. A good mix of activities will keep tourists to stay longer and spend more.* - *As local tourism in the country exceeds international tourist arrivals by as much as 10 times, destination managers cannot disregard the contribution that local tourists make.* - *Hence, activities, accommodations, and amenities should also be designed with the local tourist in mind. In fact, many tourist facilities such as hotels and resorts have acknowledged the fact that majority of its guests are local tourists.* F. **BASIC FACTS ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES** - ***Islands in the Philippines*** - *[Largest Island in the Philippines]* - ***Luzon Island,** located in the Northern region of the archipelago, is the country's largest and most populous island. It also has the greatest population among the three island groups.* - *Having an area of 42, 458 square miles, Luzon is further subdivided into four major areas -- Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, Southern Luzon and the National Capital Region which is home to the country's capital, Manila and is the country's center of economic, social, cultural, and financial development (Vallejo 2014 and Valdeavilla 2018).* - *[Smallest Island in the Philippines]* - *The Philippines consists of thousands of islands and there is no known smallest island using any known technical definition and due to high tide and low tide variations.* - *[Number of Islands]* - *There are 7, 641 islands in the Philippines (Barile 2017).* - *[Length of Coastline]* - *Estimates of the total length of the coastline range from 17, 500 kilometers (official Philippine figure) to 36, 289 kilometers (U.S. figure) (Library of Congress Federal Research Division 2006).* - ***Major Landforms*** - *[Highest Point :] **Mount Apo*** - *Mount Apo is the largest and the tallest solfataric mountain on the island of Mindanao and in the entire Philippines. The mountain has an elevation of 9, 692 feet and is located between the city of Davao and the province of Davao del Sur.* - *Mount Apo is characterized by a tropical rainy climate with rainfall relatively distributed throughout the year.* - *Mount Apo is home to over 272 species of birds of which 111 species are endemic to the mountain.* - *Nineteen rivers drain Mount Apo's eight major watersheds.* - *Six indigenous groups of people including Bagobo, Ubos, and Tagacaol live around the regions of Mount Apo and consider the mountain a sacred place and a place for worship rituals (Misachi 2017).* - *[Oldest Province] : **Aklan*** - *Originally called Minuro, Aklan is considered as the oldest province in the Philippines, Records say that the province was established during the early 12^th^ century by settlers originating from Borneo.* - *Datu Dinagandan, who established trade with neighboring islands, was the first ruler.* - *Kalantiaw then grabbed the throne, and his family continued to rule the province until the mid-14^th^ century (topten.ph 2016).* - *[Number of Provinces]: **There are 81 Provinces as of March 31, 2018** (Philippine Statistics Authority 2018).* - *[Largest / Smallest Province:]* - *Largest Province: **Palawan** is the largest in terms of land area at 17, 030.75 sq. kms.* - *Smallest Province: **Batanes** has a land area of 203.22 sq. kms. (Dela Rosa, Fiestada, Sanchez, and Mangahas 2018).* - ***Climate Information*** - *The first half of the year, from January to May, is the best time to visit the country. November to February is cool, while March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy, with the months between July and September characterized by typhoons. Average temperature is 78 degrees F/25 degrees C; average humidity is 77%. Some parts of the country such as Cebu, are warm and comfortable in all seasons and can be visited throughout the year.* - ***Language*** - *The Philippines has two official languages, Filipino (or Pilipino) and English.* - *Filipino has eight major dialects, in order of use: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense.* - *Filipino, based on Tagalog, is related to Malay and Indonesian and is part of the Malayo-Polynesian subgroup of the Austronesian language family.* - *Filipino is the common language used between speakers of different native languages, which are closely related but not mutually intelligible.* - *There are about 76 to 78 major language groups, with more than 500 dialects (DOT 2018).* - ***Major Ethnic Groups*** - *The richness of the Philippines does not end with just its aesthetic appeal, but beyond what the eyes can see in photos and videos, is the vibrant feel of its people. This is the differentiation of the Philippines as a tourist destination.* - *Its people are known to be the most hospitable in the world. Filipinos treat guests like family, willing to give up the seat of honor for its visitors.* - *The Philippines has more than 100 ethnic groups. The more dominant ethnic groups include Tagalog, Bisaya, Cebuano, Ilocano, Ilonggo and Waray.* ***Ethnic Group*** ***Population (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* *Source: Philippine Statistics Authority (2018)* - *The Philippine culture is a blend of the Malayo-Polynesian and Hispanic culture with the influence from Chinese, Indians, Arabs, and other Asian cultures as manifested in various customs and traditions of the Filipinos.* - *Filipinos has the concept of kapwa (others) to refer to other people as an extension of themselves. It shows on how they give importance to their connection or relationship with other people. This is one of the roots of their being hospitable -- Filipinos think of others as part of themselves and their family. This strong sense of kapwa enables Filipinos to share what they have with others, give the best place in the house for their visitors and always provide the best food for its guests.* - *Filipinos are lovers of art as evidenced by their folk songs, cultural dances, rituals, festivals, intricate architecture of churches, and ancestral houses. They are also lovers of music and have the ability to express themselves through song and dance.* - *Videoke has evolved to be associated as a favorite past-time and get-together activity. Filipinos love to celebrate and gather with family and friends around popular Filipino dishes such as lechon, adobo and pancit.* - *Religion is an integral and inseparable aspect of Filipino culture. The Philippines is known to celebrate the longest Christmas season. Devotion to various images of the Lord Jesus, such as the Sto. Niño and the Black Nazarene, as well as to the Blessed Virgin Mary and different patron saints, is celebrated through festivals, most of which have religious origins. Religion is also a powerful organizing principle for ethnic groups (Peralta 2000).* - *Filipinos are generally family-oriented with adult children continuing to stay in the family home. It is not unfamiliar for families to have extended family members staying with them permanently. Extended family members may include elderly aunts and uncles and married children with their growing families. Nursing homes are not popular in the Philippines as children take care of their ageing parents.* - *Filipinos find reason to celebrate any and all occasions. Birthdays, wedding, baptisms, funerals, and Christmas are grand occasions to celebrate. Food becomes the centerpiece of every Filipino family celebration. Filipino food throughout the regions is characterized with flavors of being salty, sour, sweet, and spicy from our Hispanic and Malay influences.* - *Each region has its unique and distinct characteristics influenced by its own history and culture. Ilocano, Tagalog, Bicolano, Waray, Ilonggo, and Mindanaoan are just few of the ethnicities of Filipinos.* - *Ilocanos are generally known for their simple lifestyle and strong value for money. Hard work and strong educational foundation are virtues they strive to pass on to their children.* - *The bayanihan spirit is alive in the Tagalog-speaking provinces. Neighbors help without pay in the hope that when it is their turn to need help, their neighbors will be there to help them. Tagalog families are closely-knit, with adult children even the married ones still live with their parents.* - *The Bicolanos are religious and conservative in nature. Songs and dances are ways of expressing themselves. They prefer spicy food with coconut milk.* - *The Warays, situated in the Eastern Visayas Region, are often stereotyped as brave warriors, as in the popular pharse, "basta and Waray, hindi uurong sa away". They are also known as contented people that during the Spanish occupation in the region, they were misunderstood and called lazy.* - *Ilongos are very hospitable. They always provide for their guest comfort and ease at their own expenses. They are also very gentle in their ways that their quarrels do not seem like ones. Since time is not important to the Ilongos, they also take life as it comes.* - *Mindanao is the only predominantly Muslim region in the country. Their customs and traditions are different than that of Luzon and Visayas. Majority of the population of Mindanao region believes in the Islam religion and submits themselves completely to the will of Allah. Communal assistance is widely practiced among the Maguindanaoans and Maranaos. By custom and tradition, they are expected to help their relatives by putting in money to finance such activities as marriages, funerals, pilgrimages to Mecca, and many others.* - *The Filipinos are distinct in many ways, go out and discover what this country has to offer. Love it, believe in it, and create many wonderful memories in its more than 7,000 islands.* - ***Threats to Preservation of Culture*** - *Language is said to be the bearer of culture. With the public educational system mainly patterned from Western influences, there is the threat of standardization.* - *Culture-based education is eroded and the national language induces change within the particular culture. The internalization of concepts through the medium of language and the externalization of these is altered since the culture of the introduced language is internalized by the receiving culture.* - *Mass media through radio, television, print, and more recently, social media, has provided a window to the world. New tastes, needs and opinions are created which contributes to the destruction of traditional value systems.* - *With all these influences, ethnicity, hence, is not static. It is of living people who change at birth of a nation.* - ***People and Religion*** - *The Filipino is basically of Malay stock with a sprinkling of Chinese, American, Spanish, and Arab blood. The Philippines has a population of 76.5 million as of May 2000, and it is hard to distinguish accurately the lines between stocks. From a long history of Western colonial rule, interspersed with the visits of merchants and traders, evolved a people of a unique blend of east and west, both in appearance and culture.* - *The Filipino character is actually a little bit of all the cultures put together.* - *The bayanihan or spirit of kinship and camaraderie that Filipinos are famous for is said to be taken from Malay forefathers.* - *The close family relations are said to have been inherited from the Chinese.* - *The piousness comes from the Spaniards who introduced Christianity in the 16th century.* - *Hospitality is a common denominator in the Filipino character and this is what distinguishes the Filipino.* - *The country is marked by a true blend of cultures; truly in the Philippines, East meets West.* - *The Spaniards introduced Christianity (the Roman Catholic faith) and succeeded in converting the overwhelming majority of Filipinos. At least 83% of the total population belongs to the Roman Catholic faith.* - *The American occupation was responsible for teaching the Filipino people the English language. The Philippines is currently the third-largest English speaking country in the world.* - *Historically, the Filipinos have embraced two of the great religions of the world - Islam and Christianity. Islam was introduced during the 14th century shortly after the expansion of Arab commercial ventures in Southeast Asia. Today, it is limited to the southern region of the country.* - *Christianity was introduced as early as the 16th century with the coming of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.* - *Protestantism was introduced by the first Presbyterian and Methodist missionaries who arrived with the American soldiers in 1899.* - *Two Filipino independent churches were organized at the turn of the century and are prominent today. These are the Aglipay (Philippine Independent Church) and the Iglesia Ni Kristo (Church of Christ) founded in 1902 and 1914, respectively. Recently the Aglipay signed a covenant with the Anglican Church. The Iglesia ni Kristo has expanded its membership considerably. Its churches, with their unique towering architecture, are landmarks in almost all important towns, provincial capitals, and major cities.* VI. **ASSIGNMENT** **Assignment \#1: 4 As of Tourism** **DIRECTION:** Recall a recent trip you took out of town and assess the destination based on the 4 As -- access, attractions, accommodations, and amenities and other unique selling points. Write a 300-word essay. Do not COPY-PASTE from the internet. VII. **EVALUATION** **QUIZ \#1: Philippine Tourism: An Overview** **For Online Modular: A 20-point true or false quiz will be posted on our EDMODO class.** **For Modular: Please refer on a separate sheet.** VIII. **REFERENCES** Lim, R.D. (2019). *Micro perspectives on tourism and hospitality.* Mindshapers Co. Inc., Rm 108, Intramuros Corporate Plaza Bldg., Recoletos St., Intramuros, Manila +--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+ |  | ECOLOG | | | | | | | | | Y** | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | **Camp | | | | | | | | | us: | | | | | | | | | BAYOMB | | | | | | | | | ONG** | | | | | | | +========+========+========+========+========+========+========+========+ | **DEGR | BSTM/B | **COUR | **THC | | | | | | EE | SHM | SE | 4** | | | | | | PROGRA | | NO.** | | | | | | | M** | | | | | | | | +--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+ | **SPEC | | **COUR | **Phil | | | | | | IALIZA | | SE | ippine | | | | | | TION** | | TITLE* | Touris | | | | | | | | * | m, | | | | | | | | | Geogra | | | | | | | | | phy | | | | | | | | | & | | | | | | | | | Cultur | | | | | | | | | e** | | | | | +--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+ | **YEAR | 2^nd^ | **TIME | **3 | **WK | **02** | **IM | **02** | | LEVEL* | Year | FRAME* | hours* | NO.** | | NO.** | | | * | | * | * | | | | | +--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+ I. **UNIT TITLE/CHAPTER TITLE** **[PHILIPPINES UNESCO'S WORLD HERITAGE SITES]** II. **LESSON TITLE** a. OVERVIEW OF UNESCO b. BAROQUE CHURCHES OF THE PHILIPPINES (1993) c. rICE TERRACES OF THE PHILIPPINE CORDILLERAS (1995) d. HISTORIC CITY OF VIGAN (1999) e. PUERTO-PRINCESA SUBTERRANEAN RIVEL NATIONAL PARK (1999) f. TUBBATAHA REEFS NATURAL PARK (1993,2009) g. MOUNT HAMIGUITAN RANGE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (2014) III. **LESSON OVERVIEW** IV. **DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES** 1. Explain the reason why such sites were listed in the UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. 2. Discuss the different aspects of the various UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in the Philippines. V. **LESSON CONTENT** A. **[UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION]** I. **What is UNESCO?** - UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. UNESCO\'s programs contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015. II. **Their Vision** - Political and economic arrangements of governments are not enough to secure the lasting and sincere support of the peoples. Peace must be founded upon dialogue and mutual understanding. Peace must be built upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of humanity. - In this spirit, UNESCO develops educational tools to help people live as global citizens free of hate and intolerance. UNESCO works so that each child and citizen has access to quality education. By promoting cultural heritage and the equal dignity of all cultures, UNESCO strengthens bonds among nations.  - UNESCO fosters scientific programmes and policies as platforms for development and cooperation. UNESCO stands up for freedom of expression, as a fundamental right and a key condition for democracy and development. Serving as a laboratory of ideas, UNESCO helps countries adopt international standards and manages programs that foster the free flow of ideas and knowledge sharing. - UNESCO\'s founding vision was born in response to a world war that was marked by racist and anti-Semitic violence.  - Seventy years on and many liberations struggles later, UNESCO's mandate is as relevant as ever. Cultural diversity is under attack and new forms of intolerance, rejection of scientific facts and threats to freedom of expression challenge peace and human rights. In response, UNESCO\'s duty remains to reaffirm the humanist missions of education, science and culture. III. **Strategic Documents** - UNESCO has a unique role to play in strengthening the foundations of lasting peace and equitable and sustainable development. Advancing cooperation in education, the sciences, culture, communication and information holds strategic stakes at a time when societies across the world face the rising pressures of change and the international community faces new challenges. - The document [37 C/4 (2014-2021)](http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002278/227860e.pdf) approved by the UNESCO General Conference defines a common strategic vision for the Organization for the next eight years and the century ahead. - The strategic orientations laid out in the 37 C/4 document are translated into a program and budget document, [document 39 C/5 (2018-2019)](http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0026/002616/261648e.pdf), covering a four year cycle, while the budget allocation to the programs will be appropriated biennially. B. **[BAROQUE CHURCHES OF THE PHILIPPINES]** IV. **Description** - These four churches, the first of which was built by the Spanish in the late 16th century, are located in Manila, Santa Maria, Paoay and Miag-ao. Their unique architectural style is a reinterpretation of European Baroque by Chinese and Philippine craftsmen. V. **Brief Synthesis** - The Baroque Churches of the Philippines is a serial inscription consisting of four Roman Catholic churches constructed between the 16thand the18th centuries in the Spanish period of the Philippines. - They are located in separate areas of the Philippine archipelago, two at the northern island of Luzon, one at the heart of Intramuros, Manila, and the other in the central Visayas island of Iloilo. - The four churches are outstanding examples of the Philippine interpretation of the Baroque style, and represent the fusion of European church design and construction with local materials and decorative motifs to form a new church-building tradition. - The common and specific attributes of the churches are their squat, monumental and massive appearance, which illustrates a fortress/protective-like character in response to pirates, marauders and to the geologic conditions of a country that is prone to seismic activities. - The churches are made either of stone (tuff or coralline limestone), or brick, and consolidated with lime.  - They display specific features such as retablos (altars) of high Baroque style -- (particularly seen in San Agustin Church, Intramuros), in the volutes of contrafuertes (buttresses) and in the pyramidal finials of wall facades -- (particularly seen in Paoay Church), in wall buttresses separating crypto-collateral chapels --(particularly seen in San Agustin Church, Intramuros) and in the iconography of the ornately decorated naïf/folk pediment expressing the local understanding of the life of Christ and demonstrated by the use of local elements (papaya, coconut and palm tree reliefs), and the depiction of  Catholic Patron Saints (St. Christopher) dressed in local and traditional clothing (particularly seen in the Miag-ao Church).   - The Baroque churches reflect excellent site planning principles following the Ley de las Indias (Laws of the Indies) enacted by Philip II in 1563 for all newly discovered settlements within Spanish colonial territories. VI. **Criterion (ii)** - The group of churches established a style of building and design that was adapted to the physical conditions in the Philippines which had an important influence on later church architecture in the region. VII. **Criterion (iv)** - The Baroque Churches of the Philippines represent the fusion of European church design and construction using local materials and decorative motifs to form a new church-building tradition. C. **[RICE TERRACES OF THE PHILIPPINE CORDILLERAS]** VIII. **Description** - For 2,000 years, the high rice fields of the Ifugao have followed the contours of the mountains. The fruit of knowledge handed down from one generation to the next, and the expression of sacred traditions and a delicate social balance, they have helped to create a landscape of great beauty that expresses the harmony between humankind and the environment. IX. **Brief Synthesis** - The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras is an outstanding example of an evolved, living cultural landscape that can be traced as far back as two millennia ago in the pre-colonial Philippines. The terraces are located in the remote areas of the Philippine Cordillera mountain range on the northern island of Luzon, Philippine archipelago.  - While the historic terraces cover an extensive area, the inscribed property consists of five clusters of the most intact and impressive terraces, located in four municipalities.  - They are all the product of the Ifugao ethnic group, a minority community that has occupied these mountains for thousands of years. - The five inscribed clusters are: - the **Nagacadan terrace cluster** in the municipality of Kiangan, a rice terrace cluster manifested in two distinct ascending rows of terraces bisected by a river; - the **Hungduan terrace cluster** that uniquely emerges into a spider web; - the central Mayoyao terrace cluster which is characterized by terraces interspersed with traditional farmers' *bale* (houses) and *alang* (granaries); - the **Bangaan terrace cluster** in the municipality of Banaue that backdrops a typical Ifugao traditional village; and - the **Batad terrace cluster** of the municipality of Banaue that is nestled in amphitheatre-like semi-circular terraces with a village at its base.  - The Ifugao Rice Terraces epitomize the absolute blending of the physical, socio-cultural, economic, religious, and political environment.  Indeed, it is a living cultural landscape of unparalleled beauty. - The Ifugao Rice Terraces are the priceless contribution of Philippine ancestors to humanity.  Built 2000 years ago and passed on from generation to generation, the Ifugao Rice Terraces represent an enduring illustration of an ancient civilization that surpassed various challenges and setbacks posed by modernization. - Reaching a higher altitude and being built on steeper slopes than many other terraces, the Ifugao complex of stone or mud walls and the careful carving of the natural contours of hills and mountains to make terraced pond fields, coupled with the development of intricate irrigation systems, harvesting water from the forests of the mountain tops, and an elaborate farming system, reflect a mastery of engineering that is appreciated to the present. - The terraces illustrate a persistence of cultural traditions and remarkable continuity and endurance, since archaeological evidence reveals that this technique has been in use in the region for 2000 years virtually unchanged. They offer many lessons for application in similar environments elsewhere. X. **Criterion (iii)** - The rice terraces are a dramatic testimony to a community\'s sustainable and primarily communal  system of rice production, based on harvesting water from the forest clad mountain tops and creating stone terraces and ponds, a system that has survived for two millennia. XI. **Criterion (iv)** - The rice terraces are a memorial to the history and labor of more than a thousand generations of small-scale farmers who, working together as a community, have created a landscape based on a delicate and sustainable use of natural resources. XII. **Criterion (v)** - The rice terraces are an outstanding example of land-use that resulted from a harmonious interaction between people and its environment which has produced a steep terraced landscape of great aesthetic beauty, now vulnerable to social and economic changes. D. **[HISTORIC CITY OF VIGAN]** XIII. **Description** - Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia. XIV. **Brief Synthesis** - Vigan is the most intact example in Asia of a planned Spanish colonial town, established in the 16th century.  -  Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines and from China with those of Europe and Mexico to create a unique culture and townscape without parallels anywhere in East and South-East Asia. - An important trading post before the colonial era, Vigan is located at the river delta of Abra River, along the northwestern coastline of the main island of Luzon, in the Province of Ilocos Sur, Philippine Archipelago. - The total area of the inscribed property is 17.25 hectares. The traditional Hispanic checkerboard street plan opens up into two adjacent plazas. The Plaza Salcedo is the longer arm of an L-shaped open space, with the Plaza Burgos as the shorter.  - The two plazas are dominated by the St. Paul's Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the City Hall and the Provincial Capitol Building.  -  The urban plan of the town closely conforms with the Renaissance grid plan specified in the Ley de la Indias for all new towns in the Spanish Empire.  - There is, however, a noticeable difference between Vigan and contemporary Spanish colonial towns in Latin America in the Historic Core (known as the Mestizo district), where the Latin tradition is tempered by strong Chinese, Ilocano, and Filipino influences.  - As its name implies, this district was settled by affluent families of mixed Chinese-Ilocano origin. The area contains the historic footprint of the entire town and consists of a total of 233historic buildings tightly strung along a grid of 25 streets. - The two story structures are built of brick and wood, with a steeply pitched roof reminiscent of traditional Chinese architecture. The exterior walls of the upper story are enclosed by window panels of kapis shells framed in wood which can be slid back for better ventilation.  - Most of the existing buildings were probably built in the mid-18th to late 19th centuries. Due to the economic decline of Vigan as an economic center after the World War II, only a few of the historic buildings had internal reorganization for alternative use.  - The Chinese merchants and traders conducted their business from shops, offices and storerooms on the ground floors of their houses, with the living quarters above. In addition to the domestic and commercial architecture, Vigan possesses a number of significant public buildings, which also show multi-cultural influences. - Vigan is unique for having preserved much of its Hispanic colonial character, particularly its grid street pattern and historic urban lay out. Its significance also lies on how the different architectural influences are blended to create a homogenous townscape. XV. **Criterion (ii)** - Vigan represents a unique fusion of Asian building design and construction with European colonial architecture and planning. XVI. **Criterion (iv)** - Vigan is an exceptionally intact and well-preserved example of a European trading town in East and South-East Asia. E. **[PUERTO-PRINCESA SUBTERRANEAN RIVER NATIONAL PARK]** XVII. **Description** - This park features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with an underground river. One of the river\'s distinguishing features is that it emerges directly into the sea, and its lower portion is subject to tidal influences. The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full \'mountain-to-sea\' ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia. XVIII. **Brief Synthesis** - Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park encompasses one of the world's most impressive cave systems, featuring spectacular limestone karst landscapes, pristine natural beauty, and intact old-growth forests and distinctive wildlife. - It is located in the south-western part of the Philippine Archipelago on the mid-western coast of Palawan, approximately 76 km northwest of Puerto Princesa and 360 km southwest of Manila. - The property, comprising an area of approximately 22,202 ha, contains an 8.2km long underground river. The highlight of this subterranean river system is that it flows directly into the sea, with its brackish lower half subjected to tidal influence, distinguishing it as a significant natural global phenomenon.  - The river's cavern presents remarkable, eye catching rock formations. The property contains a full mountain-to-sea ecosystem which provides significant habitat for biodiversity conservation and protects the most intact and noteworthy forests within the Palawan biogeographic province.  - Holding the distinction of being the first national park devolved and successfully managed by a local government unit, the park's effective management system is a symbol of commitment by the Filipino people to the protection and conservation of their natural heritage. XIX. **Criterion (vii)** - The Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park features a spectacular limestone or karst landscape. It contains an underground river that flows directly to the sea. The lower half of the river is brackish and subject to ocean tide. The associated tidal influence on the river makes this a significant natural phenomenon. - The river's cavern exhibits dramatic speleothems and several large chambers of as much as 120m wide and 60m high.  - Its accessibility and navigability up to 4.5km inland allows it to be experienced by the general public, who can view the magnificent rock formations on a river cruise unequalled by any other similar experience elsewhere in the world. XX. **Criterion (x)** - The property contains globally significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. It includes a full mountain-to-sea ecosystem, protecting the most significant forest area within the Palawan Biogeographic Province. - There are eight intact forest formations: forest on ultramafic soil, forest on limestone soil, montane forest, freshwater swamp forest, lowland evergreen tropical rainforest, riverine forest, beach forest, and mangrove forest, included in the property. - It contains outstanding biodiversity with the Palawan Moist Forest recognized by the WWF's Global Report as containing the richest tree flora, with high levels of regional and local endemism and as being the largest and most valuable limestone forest in Asia. F. **[TUBBATAHA REEFS NATURAL PARK]** XXI. **Description** - The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park covers 96,828 ha, including the North and South Reefs. It is a unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species; the North Islet serving as a nesting site for birds and marine turtles. The site is an excellent example of a pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100-m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral islands. XXII. **Brief Synthesis** - Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park lies in a unique position in the center of the Sulu Sea, and includes the Tubbataha and Jessie Beazley Reefs. It protects an area of almost 100,000 hectares of high-quality marine habitats containing three atolls and a large area of deep sea. - The property is home to a great diversity of marine life. Whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles and Napoleon wrasse are amongst the key species found here.  -  The reef ecosystems support over 350 species of coral and almost 500 species of fish.  - The reserve also protects one of the few remaining colonies of breeding seabirds in the region. XXIII. **Criterion (vii)** - Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park contains excellent examples of pristine reefs with a high diversity of marine life.  - The property includes extensive reef flats and perpendicular walls reaching over 100m depth, as well as large areas of deep sea. - The remote and undisturbed character of the property and the continued presence of large marine fauna such as tiger sharks, cetaceans and turtles, and big schools of pelagic fishes such as barracuda and trevallies add to the aesthetic qualities of the property. XXIV. **Criterion (ix)** - Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park lies in a unique position in the middle of the Sulu Sea and is one of the Philippines' oldest ecosystems.  -  It plays a key role in the process of reproduction, dispersal and colonization by marine organisms in the whole Sulu Sea system and helps support fisheries outside its boundaries. - The property is a natural laboratory for the study of ecological and biological processes, displaying the ongoing process of coral reef formation, and supporting a large number of marine species dependent on reef ecosystems. - The presence of top predator species, such as tiger and hammerhead sharks, are indicators of the ecological balance of the property. The property also offers a demonstration site to study the responses of a natural reef system in relation to the impacts of climate change. XXV. **Criterion (x)** - Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park provides an important habitat for internationally threatened and endangered marine species. - The property is located within the Coral Triangle, a global focus for coral biological diversity. - The reefs of the property support 374 species of corals, almost 90% of all coral species in the Philippines.  - The reefs and seas of the property also support eleven species of cetaceans, eleven species of sharks, and an estimated 479 species of fish, including the iconic and threatened Napoleon wrasse.  - The property supports the highest population densities known in the world for white tip reef sharks.  - Pelagic species such as jacks, tuna, barracuda, manta rays, whale sharks and different species of sharks also are common here and the property is a very important nesting, resting and juvenile development area for two species of endangered marine turtles: green turtles and hawksbill turtles.  - There are seven breeding species of seabirds and Bird Islet and South Islet are breeding grounds to seven resident and endangered breeding species of seabirds. - The critically endangered Christmas Island Frigate bird is a regular visitor to the property. G. **[MOUNT HAMIGUITAN RANGE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY]** XXVI. **Description** - Forming a mountain ridge running north-south along the Pujada Peninsula in the south-eastern part of the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor, the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary has an elevation range of 75--1,637 m above sea level and provides critical habitat for a range of plant and animal species.  - The property showcases terrestrial and aquatic habitats at different elevations, and includes threatened and endemic flora and fauna species, eight of which are found only at Mount Hamiguitan. These include critically endangered trees, plants and the iconic Philippine eagle and Philippine cockatoo. XXVII. **Brief Synthesis** - Forming a north-south running mountain ridge along the Pujada Peninsula in the southeastern part of the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor, the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary has an elevation range of 75-1,637 m above sea level, and provides critical habitat for a range of plant and animal species. - The property showcases terrestrial and aquatic habitats and the species that they host at a series of different elevations are responding to highly dissimilar soil and climate conditions. - The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary provides a sanctuary to a host of globally threatened and endemic flora and fauna species, eight of which are found nowhere else except Mount Hamiguitan.  - These include critically endangered trees, plants and the iconic Philippine Eagle and Philippine Cockatoo. XXVIII. **Criterion (x)** - The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary represents a complete, substantially intact and highly diverse mountain ecosystem, in a significant biogeographic region of the Philippines. - Its diversity of plants and animals include globally threatened species as well as a large number of endemic species including those species that exist only in the Philippines, only in Mindanao and only in the nominated property. - The fragile tropical "bonsai" forest that crowns the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary epitomizes nature's bid to survive in adverse conditions. As a result of its semi-isolation and its varied habitat types growing in dissimilar soil and climate conditions, its biodiversity has shown a significantly high level of endemicity that has led scientists to believe that there may be more globally unique species waiting to be discovered in the area.  - The combination of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems within the boundaries of the property and the large number of species inhabiting each makes the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary home to a total of 1,380 species with 341 Philippine endemics that include critically endangered species such as the iconic Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) and the Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), as well as the trees Shorea polysperma, Shorea astylosa, and the orchid Paphiopedilum adductum. Its high level of endemicity is well exemplified by the proportion of its amphibian (75% endemic) and reptile (84% endemic) species.  - The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary exhibits segmentation of terrestrial habitats according to elevation. - In the lower elevations the agro-ecosystem and remnants of dipterocarp forests house some 246 plant species including significant numbers of endemics such as the globally threatened dipterocarps of the genus Shorea. - The dipterocarp forest ecosystem at 420-920 m asl is characterized by the presence of large trees and is home to 418 plant and 146 animal species, which include threatened species such as the Mindanao Bleeding-heart dove ([Gallicolumba crinigera](http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22690991/0)) and Philippine warty pig ([Sus philippensis](http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/21176/0)). - At higher elevations the montane forest ecosystem exhibits numerous species of mosses, lichens and epiphytes.  - This ecosystem type houses 105 animal species representing all the animal groups found in the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary as well as the relatively recently discovered rat species, Hamiguitan hairy-tailed rat (Batomys hamiguitan). - The fourth ecosystem type is the typical mossy forest ecosystem characterized by thick mosses covering roots and tree trunks; it provides habitat for the Philippine pygmy fruit bat, (Haplonycteris fischeri) and the threatened Pointed-snouted tree frog (Philautus acutirostris). At the topmost (1160-1200m a.s.l.) is the mossy-pygmy forest ecosystem, adding a unique natural tropical bonsai forest layer to the property. - It is the only known habitat in the world of the pitcher plant (Nepenthes hamiguitanensis) and the Delias butterfly (Delias magsadana).  VI. **LEARNING ACTIVITIES** **Direction:** After you have learned the unique value of each UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is now time for you to put those highlights of each site in a simple yet full of fun teaser video. Create a teaser video, preferably 2-minute video containing highlights of all the UNESCO's World Heritage Sites found in the Philippines. VII. **ASSIGNMENT** **Assignment \# 7.** Complete the table below with the necessary information needed. Use the Websites found in the references section of this module (You may wish to use a separate sheet for this activity). And afterwards, in a clean sheet of paper, write a reflection paper regarding the information you have researched and read. +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | **UNESCO World | **Integrity | **Authenticity | **Protection | | Heritage Site** | Statement** | Statement** | and Management | | | | | Requirements** | +=================+=================+=================+=================+ | 1. Baroque | | | | | Churches of | | | | | the | | | | | Philippines | | | | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | 2. Rice | | | | | Terraces of | | | | | the | | | | | Philippine | | | | | Cordilleras | | | | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | 3. Historic | | | | | City of | | | | | Vigan | | | | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | 4. Puerto-Prin | | | | | cesa | | | | | Subterranea | | | | | n | | | | | River | | | | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | 5. Tubbataha | | | | | Reefs | | | | | Natural | | | | | park | | | | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | 6. Mount | | | | | Hamiguitan | | | | | Range | | | | | Wildlife | | | | | Sanctuary | | | | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ VIII. **EVALUATION** **QUIZ \#7: True or False.** Write "BOOM" is the statement is correct and write "POW" if you think the statement is false. Write your answer on the space before each number. **(20 points)** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_1. UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. UNESCO\'s programs contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2016. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_2. United Nations Environmental, Scientific and Cultural Organization fosters scientific programs and policies as platforms for development and cooperation. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_3. The Baroques Churches of the Philippines includes four Roman Catholic churches. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_4. The Baroques Churches of the Philippines established a style of building and design that was adapted to the physical conditions in the Philippines which had an important influence on later church architecture in the region. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_5. Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_6. The Historic City of Vigan qualified to criteria iii, iv & v. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_7. The Baroque churches reflect excellent site planning principles following the Ley de las Indias enacted by Philip II in 1563 for all newly discovered settlements within Spanish colonial territories. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_8. Buguun Terrace cluster is one of the five inscribed clusters of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_9. Laoag represents a unique fusion of Asian building design and construction with European colonial architecture and planning. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_10. Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary exhibits segmentation of terrestrial habitats according to elevation. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_11. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is located north-south along the Pujada Peninsula in the south-eastern part of the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_12. Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary lies in a unique position in the center of the Sulu Sea. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_13. Sta. Maria Church Vigan is located at the river delta of Abra River, along the northwestern coastline of the main island of Luzon, in the Province of Ilocos Sur, Philippine Archipelago. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_14. Retablos are Altars. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_15. The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary provides a sanctuary to a host of globally threatened and endemic flora and fauna species, eight of which are found nowhere else except Mount Hamiguitan. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_16. UNESCO\'s founding vision was born in response to a world war that was marked by racist and anti-Semitic violence.  \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_17. The Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park features a spectacular limestone or karst landscape. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_18. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park showcases terrestrial and aquatic habitats at different elevations. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_19. The Ifugao Rice Terraces epitomize the absolute blending of the physical, socio-cultural, economic, religious, and political environment.  Indeed, it is a living cultural landscape of unparalleled beauty. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_20. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park IX. **REFERENCES** UNESCO in brief-Mission and Mandate Retrieved from: https://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco Philippines- World UNESCO Heritage Center Retrieved from: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/ph Baroque Churches of the Philippines Retrieved from: [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/677] Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras Retrieved from: [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/722] Historic City of Vigan Retrieved from: [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/502] Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Retrieved from: [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/652] Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Retrieved from: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/653 Mounth Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary Retrieved from: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1403 +--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+ |  | ECOLOG | | | | | | | | | Y** | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | **Camp | | | | | | | | | us: | | | | | | | | | BAYOMB | | | | | | | | | ONG** | | | | | | | +========+========+========+========+========+========+========+========+ | **DEGR | BSTM/B | **COUR | **THC | | | | | | EE | SHM | SE | 4** | | | | | | PROGRA | | NO.** | | | | | | | M** | | | | | | | | +--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+ | **SPEC | | **COUR | **Phil | | | | | | IALIZA | | SE | ippine | | | | | | TION** | | TITLE* | Touris | | | | | | | | * | m, | | | | | | | | | Geogra | | | | | | | | | phy | | | | | | | | | & | | | | | | | | | Cultur | | | | | | | | | e** | | | | | +--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+ | **YEAR | 2^nd^ | **TIME | **3 | **WK | **02** | **IM | **02** | | LEVEL* | Year | FRAME* | hours* | NO.** | | NO.** | | | * | | * | * | | | | | +--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+ I. **UNIT TITLE/CHAPTER TITLE** **[PHILIPPINE MAP AND PHILIPPINE REGIONS]** II. **LESSON TITLE** a. luzon b. visayas c. mindanao d. national capital region III. **LESSON OVERVIEW** IV. **DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES** 1. Identify the various provinces in each region and town and chartered and component cities in each province on a blank map. 2. Label a blank map with the corresponding provinces of the Philippines. 3. Enumerate the different capitals of each Philippine provinces. 4. Craft a Tourism Map of a specific province. 1. V. **LESSON CONTENT** A. **[Philippine Geography]** - Ranking as the 5th largest island country in the world, the Philippines comprises approximately 7,600 islands. This beautiful string of islands lies in the southeast part of Asia, between the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea. - Only around one-third of the country is permanently inhabited by around 113 million people in 2023. Its geographic location is an ideal refuge for over 200 species of orchids, mammals, and birds. - Find exciting travel facts about the Philippines, and discover how this beautiful country faces political, economic, environmental, and social challenges from its unique geographical location. - Luzon beautifully sits in the northern part of the Philippines. It is where Metro Manila, the capital of the country, is located. - Situated in the southern part of the country, Mindanao takes pride of Davao City as its center for commerce and trade. Pay a visit to the Northeastern coast of Mindanao, and get stunned by the beauty of Siargao Island, the "Surfing Capital of the Philippines". B. **[Administrative Divisions of the Philippines]** - In the Philippines, the 4 levels of administrative divisions are commonly known as the Local Government Units (LGUs). It consists of provinces, cities and municipalities, and barangays. - A ***barangay*** is a Filipino term for district, village, or ward, and is the smallest administrative unit. Now, if you're wondering how these highest to the lowest divisions work, pay close attention to the detailed elaboration below. - The Philippines is subdivided into 17 regions. The main purpose is to organize, plan and coordinate across different local government units or (LGUs), so that all national government services are efficiently implemented throughout the country. - The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is composed of 7 predominantly Muslim provinces, namely Basilan (except Isabela), Sulu, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi and Cotabato City. Take note that BARMM is the only autonomous region that has its own political power. C. **[Regions and Provinces in the Philippines]** - The 82 provinces in the Philippines have been grouped together into 17 regions. A region is an administrative unit that directly coordinates with the national government as to mandates and regulations. These directives are then passed on to the local government units or LGUs (regions, provinces, cities and municipalities, and barangays) for compliance. - **Regions and Provinces in the Luzon Island Group** - CAR -- Cordillera Administrative Region - Provinces of CAR - Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province - Capital City of CAR - Baguio City - NCR -- National Capital Region - There are no provinces in the NCR, only cities and a town. Check out our Manila page to learn more about NCR (also called Metro Manila). - Region I -- Ilocos Region Capital City of Central Luzon - Provinces of Region I - Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan - Independent City of Region I - Dagupan City - Capital City of Ilocos Region - San Fernando (La Union) - Region II -- Cagayan Valley Region - Provinces of Region II - Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino - Capital City of Cagayan Valley - Tuguegarao - Region III -- Central Luzon Region - Provinces of Region III - Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales - Capital City of Central Luzon- San Fernando (Pampanga) - Region IV‑A -- CALABARZON Region - Provinces of Region IV‑A - Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon Province - Highly Urbanized City of Region IV-A: Lucena - Capital City of CALABARZON - Calamba (Laguna) - Region IV-B - Southwestern Tagalog Region (formerly MIMAROPA Region) - Provinces of Region IV-B - Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan - Capital City of MIMAROPA - Calapan (Oriental Mindoro) - Region V -- Bicol Region (colloquially known as Bicolandia) - Provinces of Region V - Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, Sorsogon - Capital City of Bicol Region - Legazpi (Albay) - Independent Component City- Naga - **Regions and Provinces in the Visayas Island Groups** - Region VI -- Western Visayas Region - Provinces of Region VI- Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental - Capital City of Western Visayas - Iloilo City (Panay Island) - Region VII -- Central Visayas Region - Provinces of Region VII - Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor - Capital of Central Visayas - Cebu City - Region VIII -- Eastern Visayas Region - Provinces of Region VIII - Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte - Independent City- Ormoc - Highly Urbanized City- Tacloban - Capital City of Eastern Visayas -- Tacloban - **Regions and Provinces in the Mindanao Island Groups** - Region IX -- Zamboanga Peninsula Region - Provinces of Region IX - Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay - Cities of Region IX - Dapitan, Dipolog, Isabela, and Pagadian - Highly Urbanized City - Zamboanga - Capital City of Zamboanga Peninsula - Pagadian (Zamboanga del Sur) - Region X -- Northern Mindanao Region - Provinces of Region X - Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental - Capital City of Northern Mindanao - Cagayan de Oro (Misamis Oriental) - Region XI -- Davao Region - Provinces of Region XI - Davao de Oro (formerly Compostela Valley), Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental - Capital City of Davao Region - Davao City (Davao del Sur) - Region XII -- SOCCSKSARGEN Region - Provinces of XII - South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City - Capital City of SOCCSKSARGEN - Koronadal (also known as Marbel, located in South Cotabato) - Region XIII -- Caraga Region or Caraga Administrative Region - Provinces of Region XIII - Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur - Capital City of Caraga - Butuan (Agusan del Norte) - BARMM -- Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Region - Provinces of BARMM - Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi - Capital City of BARMM - Cotabato City D. **[Role of Regions in the Philippines]** - The main administrative purpose of grouping provinces into regions is the effective implementation of policies and programs of the government. You'll see the offices of the regional directors of different National government agencies in the region's capital. - Each province, belonging to a certain region, is governed by an elected local authority referred to as "governor" and the provincial council or Sangguniang Panlalawigan. The 82 provinces in the Philippines are subdivided into component cities and municipalities. E. **[Territorial Disputes in the West Philippine Sea]** - The Philippines is the only Southeast Asian country that shares no land borders with its neighbors. Still, it is not free from territorial disputes on the hotly-contested West Philippine Sea. - The 3 disputed islands are the Scarborough Shoal, Spratly Islands, and Paracel Islands. These are located off the coast of western Philippines in the middle of the South China Sea (known by Filipinos as the West Philippine Sea). - Named after Richard Spratly, a British whaling captain who discovered the islands in the 19th century, the Spratly Islands are believed to be a natural gas field. It is abundant in aquatic and fishery resources too. This is the reason why President BongBong Marcos (BBM) plans to push through the Philippine government's joint gas and oil exploration with China in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea. - Through this government-to-government (G2G) agreement with China, the local pricing of gas and oil in the Philippines can be reduced. F. **[Interesting Geographical Features of the Philippines]** - The Philippines is an archipelago, situated between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It is mostly mountainous, consisting of small and big islands that are covered with tropical rain forests and pine trees. - Being near to the equator, the Philippines has a tropical climate. This means that it enjoys a weather that is typically hot, humid and wet. The weather in the Philippines can also change very quickly. So, be sure to have an idea of the travel essentials when planning to visit the country. - During the Spanish era, they named the country "Philippines" in honor of King Philip II of Spain. Catholicism was brought by the Spaniards who came to the archipelago in 1521. Since then, religion in the country has an interesting history and background. G. **[Maps]** - National Capital Region Most Talk About: National Capital Region - Philippine Map - Philippine Map ![x-post r/etymologymaps\] Toponymical map of the provinces of the Philippines \[by mattsdfgh\] : r/Philippines](media/image5.jpeg) VI. **LEARNING ACTIVITIES** A. **Philippine Mapping** **Directions: In a half white cartolina, draw the Philippine map, color it by region and label all provinces of the Philippines.** VII. **REFERENCES** Geography Of The Philippines: Interesting Facts And Information - Philippines Travel Guide. (2024, June 3). Philippines Travel Guide. Retrieved from: https://philippinestravelguides.com/travel-tips/geography-of-the-philippines/ Home - Love the Philippines! Welcome to the DOT\'s Corporate Site. (2024, August 8). Love the Philippines! Welcome to the DOT's Corporate Site. Retrieved from: https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/