The Preamble of the Philippine Constitution: “We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society, and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity, the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.”
The Philippines is divided into Regions, Provinces, Cities and Municipalities, Barangays and Puroks.
The Philippines flies two flags: The national flag and the flag of Islam. Now Islam has its own region.
Flag Description of the Philippines
The design of the flag dates to 1897; in wartime the flag is flown upside down with the red band at the top.
| Wars of ancient history were about territory, power, family or lover’s quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.
Think about this. Don’t just brush off these questions.
WHY??
Then made it unlawful to finance all other religions. The only country in the world that has a government commission that caters to Muslims only, for the hajj, for madrasas, and the spread of Islam at government’s expense PAID by the taxes of Non-Muslims. A government-run Muslim channel, Salaam TV to promote Islam. Religion is always good for the people but it should never be embraced or financed by government. Tax exemption is not tantamount to financing. Every non-profit organization is tax-exempt. “Click here to Comment”
Source of the Political strife in the Philippines[edit]The senate of the Philippines represents only the most populated areas of the Philippines. The senate does not represent the majority of the people. The Philippines is divided into 17 regions with cities, municipalities and provinces within each of the regions. These 17 regions are divided as follows: 7 regions in Luzon, 4 regions in the Visayas, 6 regions in Mindanao. Each region is already well represented by the house of representatives (congressmen). However, the senate does not represent the regions properly. ACurrently (2016-2019) the senate is only represented by one(1) senator from the Visayas, and only three(3) from Mindanao. The other 20 senators are from Luzon and 15 of them are from Metro Manila. Do you call this proper representation of the people in the Philippines? >>>> READ ON
Geography of the Republic of the Philippines[edit]Area: 300,000 sq. km. (117,187 sq. mi.). Major cities (2007 estimate): Capital–Manila (pop. 11.55 million in metropolitan area); other cities–Davao City (1.36 million); Cebu City (0.80 million).
Bodies of Water of The Philippines[edit]
Islands of The Philippines[edit]
Main Philippine Islands Group: Luzon Islands Group, Visayas Islands Group, Mindanao Islands Group. The Philippines is divided into three main islands group and are headed under:
People of the Republic of the Philippines[edit]
The majority of Philippine people are descendants of Indonesians and Malays who migrated to the islands in successive waves over many centuries and largely displaced the aboriginal inhabitants. The largest ethnic minority now is the mainland Asians (called Chinese), who have played an important role in commerce for many centuries since they first came to the islands to trade. Arabs and Indians also traveled and traded in the Philippines in the first and early second millennium. As a result of intermarriage, many Filipinos have some Asian mainland, Spanish, American, Arab, or Indian ancestry. After the mainland Asians, Americans and Spaniards constitute the next largest minorities in the country. More than 90 percent of the people are Christian as a result of the nearly 400 years of Spanish and American rule. The major non-Hispanicized groups are the Muslim population, concentrated in the Sulu Archipelago and in central and western Mindanao, and the mountain aboriginal groups of northern Luzon. Small forest tribes still live in the more remote areas of Mindanao. About 87 languages and dialects are spoken, most belonging to the Malay-Polynesian linguistic family. Of these, eight are the first languages of more than 85 percent of the population. The four principal indigenous languages are Cebuano, spoken in the Visayas; Tagalog, predominant in the area around Manila; Ilocano, spoken in northern Luzon, and Maranao and related languages spoken in Mindanao. Since 1939, in an effort to develop national unity, the government has promoted the use of the national language, Pilipino, which is based on Tagalog. Pilipino is taught in all schools and is gaining widespread acceptance across the archipelago. Many use English, Fukienese, or Mandarin as second languages. Nearly all professionals, academics, and government workers speak some English. In January 2003, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the Department of Education to restore English as the medium of instruction in all schools and universities. Only a few Filipino families use Spanish as a second language. The Philippines has one of the highest literacy rates in the developing world. About 93 percent of the population 10 years of age and older are literate. History of the Republic of the Philippines[edit]The Philippines had 3 colonizers:
NOTE: Of the 3 colonizers only the Americans were generous. They built infrastructures and a great educational system. And best of all, on July 4, 1946 they willingly gave the Philippines to the Filipinos. For the first time the Philippines had control over its own domain. For the first time the Philippines experienced sovereignty. For the first time the Philippines became an independent nation. The history of The Philippines can be divided into seven very distinct phases: 1. the pre-Spanish period (before 1521); 2. the Spanish period (1521-1898); 3. the Filipino Revolution period; 4. the American period (1898-1946); 5. the Japanese occupation period; 6. the Philippine Independence and 7. the post-Independence period (1946-present). 1. Pre-Spanish Period of The Republic of the Philippines[edit]Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan reached the Philippines and claimed the archipelago for Spain in 1521, but stayed for only a few days. Christianity was established in the Philippines only after the arrival of the succeeding Spanish expeditionary forces (the first led by Legazpi in the 16th century) and the Spanish Jesuits, and in the 17th and 18th centuries by the conquistadores. 2. Spanish Period of The Republic of the Philippines[edit]The long period of Spanish rule was marked by numerous uprisings. Towards the latter half of the 19th century, Western-educated Filipinos or ilustrados (such as national hero Jose Rizal) began to criticize the excesses of Spanish rule and instilled a new sense of national identity. This movement gave inspiration to the final revolt against Spain that began in 1896 under the leadership of Emilio Aguinaldo and continued until the Americans defeated the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay on May 1, 1898, during the Spanish-American War. Aguinaldo declared independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. 3. Filipino Revolution Period of The Republic of the Philippines[edit]During the Filipino Revolution period starting in 1898 until 1899, there arose two very distinct revolutionary outcome from native Filipinas residents who initiated an armed uprising against the historical Spanish government of the Filipinas, and against the invading forces of the United States of America, who initially had the backing of the northern Filipinos of Luzon but ended up doing battle against them after they defeated the ruling Spaniards because they withdrew their support for the Americans after it became clear the U.S. wanted to take the Filipinas islands foe its own, and paid to get it done legally in the sum amount of $30,000,0000.00 to Spain. The two very distinct outcomes of the Filipino revolution are: Read on 4. American Period of The Republic of the Philippines[edit]Following Admiral George Dewey’s defeat of the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay, the U.S. occupied the Philippines. Spain ceded the islands to the United States under the terms of the Treaty of Paris (December 10, 1898) that ended the war. 5. Japanese Occupation Period of The Republic of the Philippines[edit]World War II began in the Philippines when Japan surprised and deliberately attacked the country and after months of continued offensive, the island of Corregidor, the last American/Filipino stronghold, finally fell in May 1942. U.S. forces in the Philippines surrendered to the Japanese, placing the islands under Japanese control. During the occupation, thousands of Filipinos fought a running guerilla campaign against Japanese forces. 6. Independence of The Republic of the Philippines[edit]§ 1394. Recognition of Philippine independence
7. Post-Independence Period of The Republic of the Philippines[edit]The early years of independence were dominated by U.S.-assisted postwar reconstruction. The communist-inspired Huk Rebellion (1945-53) complicated recovery efforts before its successful suppression under the leadership of President Ramon Magsaysay. The succeeding administrations of Presidents Carlos P. Garcia (1957-61) and Diosdado Macapagal (1961-65) sought to expand Philippine ties to its Asian neighbors, implement domestic reform programs, and develop and diversify the economy. In 1962, the official Philippine Independence Day was changed from July 4 to June 12, commemorating the date independence from Spain was declared by Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898. Culture of The Philippines[edit]This is the one thing that separates us from the rest of the world – our colorful and lively culture that makes us distinctly Filipino. This includes traditions, language, arts, etc. which are found in museums, churches and galleries, found within the heart of the key cities. Read On Government and Political Conditions of The Philippines[edit]
Principal Government Officials of the Republic of the Philippines[edit]
The Republic of the Philippines maintains an embassy in the United States at 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 (tel. 202-467-9300). Consulates general are in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Agana (Guam). READ ON… The Philippine Senate[edit]The Philippine senate is composed of 24 senators who are elected by the legally registered voters of the Philippines. Senators are elected to a six year term, half the senators are elected every 3 years. This process insures that the Senate maintains a full membership. The Senate of the Philippines is the upper chamber of the bicameral legislature of the Philippines, the Congress of the Philippines. The Senate is the only body that can authorize the ratification of treaties.
Economy of The Philippines[edit]
Featured News of The Philippines[edit]Updated: October 4, 2021 Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is under the microscope again with the Judges at the International Criminal Court as they approved a formal investigation into possible crimes against humanity committed under his leadership. An internal investigation that leaked, found that at least 154 police officers could be criminally liable while conducting President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs. But under the orders of President Duterte, the government will not cooperate with the ICC. The cover up continues. Agriculture and Forestry[edit]Arable farmland comprises more than 40 percent of the total land area. Although the Philippines is rich in agricultural potential, inadequate infrastructure, lack of financing, and government policies have limited productivity gains. Philippine farms produce food crops for domestic consumption and cash crops for export. The agricultural sector employs more than one-third of the work force but provides less than a fifth of GDP. Decades of uncontrolled logging and slash-and-burn agriculture in marginal upland areas have stripped forests, with critical implications for the ecological balance. Although the government has instituted conservation programs, deforestation remains a severe problem. With its 7,107 islands, the Philippines has a very diverse range of fishing areas. Notwithstanding good prospects for marine fisheries, the industry continues to face a difficult future due to destructive fishing methods, a lack of funds, and inadequate government support. Agriculture generally suffers from low productivity, low economies of scale, and inadequate infrastructure support. Agricultural output increased by 5.1 percent in real terms during 2004 but stagnated to 2.24 percent in 2005 due to drought and intermittent weather disturbances. Despite the adverse effects of successive and very strong typhoons in the last four months of 2006, the overall annual farm output expanded by 3.8 percent. In 2007, the sector grew by 4.68 percent, led by gains in the fisheries subsector. Fruits of the Philippines[edit]In the past, many of the fruits found at the local markets were seasonal, but today they are mostly grown year-round with intervention. Read On
Industry of the Philippines[edit]Industrial production is centered on the processing and assembly operations of the following: food, beverages, tobacco, rubber products, textiles, clothing and footwear, pharmaceuticals, paints, plywood and veneer, paper and paper products, small appliances, and electronics. Heavier industries are dominated by the production of cement, glass, industrial chemicals, fertilizers, iron and steel, and refined petroleum products. Newer industries, particularly production of semiconductors and other intermediate goods for incorporation into consumer electronics are important components of Philippine exports and are located in special export processing zones. The industrial sector is concentrated in urban areas, especially in the metropolitan Manila region, and has only weak linkages to the rural economy. Inadequate infrastructure, transportation, and communication have so far inhibited faster industrial growth, although significant strides have been made in addressing the last of these elements. Mining in the Philippines[edit]The Philippines is one of the world’s most highly mineralized countries, with untapped mineral wealth estimated at more than $840 billion. Philippine copper, gold, and chromate deposits are among the largest in the world. Other important minerals include nickel, silver, coal, gypsum, and sulfur. The Philippines also has significant deposits of clay, limestone, marble, silica, and phosphate. The discovery of natural gas reserves off Palawan has been brought on-line to generate electricity. Despite its rich mineral deposits, the Philippine mining industry is just a fraction of what it was in the 1970s and 1980s when the country ranked among the ten leading gold and copper producers worldwide. Low metal prices, high production costs, and lack of investment in infrastructure have contributed to the industry’s overall decline. A December 2004 Supreme Court decision upheld the constitutionality of the 1995 Mining Act, thereby allowing up to 100 percent foreign-owned companies to invest in large-scale exploration, development, and utilization of minerals, oil, and gas. Foreign Relations of The Philippines[edit]In its foreign policy, the Philippines cultivates constructive relations with its Asian neighbors, with whom it is linked through membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. The Philippines chaired ASEAN from 2006 to 2007, hosting the ASEAN Heads of State Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum. The Philippines is a member of the UN and some of its specialized agencies, and served a two-year term as a member of the UN Security Council from January 2004-2006, acting as UNSC President in September 2005. Since 1992, the Philippines has been a member of the Non-Aligned Movement. The government is seeking observer status in the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). The Philippines has played a key role in ASEAN in recent years, ratifying the ASEAN Charter in October 2008. The Philippines also values its relations with the countries of the Middle East, in no small part because hundreds of thousands of Filipinos are employed in that region. The welfare of the some four to five million overseas Filipino contract workers is considered to be a pillar of Philippine foreign policy. Foreign exchange remittances from these workers exceed 11 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. The fundamental Philippine attachment to democracy and human rights is also reflected in its foreign policy. Philippine soldiers and police have participated in a number of multilateral civilian police and peacekeeping operations, and a Philippine Army general served as the first commander of the UN Peacekeeping Operation in East Timor. The Philippines presently has peacekeepers deployed in eight UN Peacekeeping Operations worldwide.. The Philippines also participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, deploying some 50 troops to Iraq in 2003. (These troops were subsequently withdrawn in 2004 after a Filipino overseas worker was kidnapped.) The Philippine Government also has been active in efforts to reduce tensions among rival claimants to the territories and waters of the resource-rich South China Sea. U.S.A.-Philippines Relations[edit]U.S.-Philippine relations are based on shared history and commitment to democratic principles, as well as on economic ties. The historical and cultural links between the Philippines and the United States remain strong. The Philippines modeled its governmental institutions on those of the United States and continues to share a commitment to democracy and human rights. At the most fundamental level of bilateral relations, human links continue to form a strong bridge between the two countries. There are an estimated four million Americans of Philippine ancestry in the United States, and more than 250,000 American citizens in the Philippines. Trade and Investment[edit]Two-way U.S. merchandise trade with the Philippines amounted to $17.1 billion in 2007 (U.S. Department of Commerce data). According to Philippine Government data, 14.1 percent of the Philippines’ imports in 2007 came from the United States, and about 17.0 percent of its exports were bound for America. The Philippines ranks as our 29th-largest export market and our 34th-largest supplier. Key exports to the United States are semiconductor devices and computer peripherals, automobile parts, electric machinery, textiles and garments, wheat and animal feeds, and coconut oil. In addition to other goods, the Philippines imports raw and semi-processed materials for the manufacture of semiconductors, electronics and electrical machinery, transport equipment, and cereals and cereal preparations. The United States traditionally has been the Philippines’ largest foreign investor, with close to $6.7 billion in total foreign direct investment as of end-2007. Since the late 1980s, the Philippines has committed itself to reforms that encourage foreign investment as a basis for economic development, subject to certain guidelines and restrictions in specified areas. Under President Ramos, the Philippines expanded reforms, opening the power generation and telecommunications sectors to foreign investment, as well as securing ratification of the Uruguay Round agreement and membership in the World Trade Organization. As noted earlier, President Arroyo’s administration has generally continued such reforms despite opposition from vested interests and “nationalist” blocs. A major obstacle has been and will continue to be constitutional restrictions on, among others, foreign ownership of land and public utilities, which limits maximum ownership to 40 percent. Over the last two decades, the relatively closed Philippine economy has been opened significantly by foreign exchange deregulation, foreign investment and banking liberalization, tariff and market barrier reduction, and foreign entry into the retail trade sector. The Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 opened opportunities for U.S. firms to participate in the power industry in the Philippines. Information and communications technologies, backroom operations such as call centers, regional facilities or shared-service centers, tourism, and mining are likewise leading investment opportunities. Principal U.S. Embassy Officials Ambassador–Kristie A. Kenney Deputy Chief of Mission–Paul W. Jones Political Counselor–Thomas B. Gibbons Economic Counselor–Larry L. Memmott Public Affairs Counselor– Richard Nelson Consul General–Richard D. Haynes Management Counselor–Catherine I. Ebert-Gray Commercial Counselor– Patrick WallUSAID Mission Director–Jon Lindborg Agricultural Counselor–Emiko Purdy Transportation and Safety Administration–Scottie R. Laird Department of Homeland Security – Frank J. Cabaddu Defense Attaché Office–Colonel Anthony Senci Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group–Colonel Kevin D. Clark Regional Security Officer–Jacob M. Wohlman Legal Attaché James D. Nixon U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration–Timothy C. Teal Veterans Affairs–Jonathan Skelly Social Security Administration– Darrin Morgan. American Battle Monuments Commission–Larry A. Adkison U.S. Peace Corps– Sonia Derenoncourt The U.S. Embassy is located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila; tel. (63)(2) 301-2000; fax 301-2399; website: http://manila.usembassy.gov/. The American Business Center is located at 25/F, Ayala Life – FGU Center, 6811 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. It houses the Foreign Commercial Service: tel. (63)(2) 888-4088; fax 888-6606; website: http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3012.html; and the Foreign Agricultural Service: tel. (63)(2) 887-1137; fax 887-1268; website: http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3011.html. Travel and Business Information[edit]Last updated: 9/13/2021 All airline passengers traveling to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions. Popular Travel Destinations in the Philippines[edit]There are several destinations for the traveller to enjoy in the Philippines. It is best if you hire a local to show you around. Every Filipino is proud of his domain. He is very hospitable and always has a smile on his face. You can find a tourist guide almost anywhere. There are professional travel agencies with professional travel guides and there the pedicab drivers, tri-cycle drivers, jeepney drivers, and taxi or puj drivers. Each one of these individuals are very familiar with their area and will do their best to show you their hometown or show-off their hometown. If you want to enjoy the local areas or barangays, do not hesitate to visit the barangay hall. There you will meet the most wonderful and cooperative people. The officer of the day or the secretary of the barangay will be more than willing help you or point you to the right direction. Every barangay in the Philippines has an elected secretary. The barangay captain (puno) and the council members (kagawads) are always moving around, but the secretary is always in the office. If you are travelling with teenagers, there is the SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) or Youth Council in each of the barangays. You can have an appointment with one of the youth council members. This is usually a 5 or 8 member group. Again these folks are more than willing to help you.
Education in the Philippines[edit]There are over 40,000 barangays in the Philippines and just about everysingle barangay has an elementary school. In the more urban areas, each barangay has a public high school. Real Estate or Properties for Sale or lease in The Philippines[edit]
Philippine Trivia[edit]
Adivay: November : La Trinidad, Benquet ★ Banaag Festival: November 1 : Anilao, Iloilo ★ P’yagsawitan Festival: November 3rd week: Maragusan Compostela Valley ★ Binabayani Festival: November Last week: Olongapo, Zamboales ★ Tan-OK ni Ilocano Festival: November third week: Ilocos Norte ★ Crown Festival: November 3rd week: Taytay, Rizal ★ Tumba (Candle) Festival: November 2: San Luis, Batangas ★ Pinta Flores Festival: November 3 to 5: San Carlos City, Negros Occidental ★ San Carlos City Fiesta: November 4: San Carlos City, Negros Occidental ★ Angono Arts Festival: November 5 to 25: Angono, Rizal ★ Pages in category “Barangays of the Philippines”[edit]Click on the first letter of the Barangay’s name or Narrow it down to the first few letters of the Barangay’s Name
There are 42,045 barangays in the Philippines. The first 200 are listed below. (previous 200) (View the next 200) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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