Chapter I

Introduction to Tourism

Learning Objectives

At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:

1. Define Tourism
2. Differentiate Domestic Tourism and International Tourism
3. Know the types of Domestic Tourists in the Philippines
4. Classify the types of visitors
5. Know the different types of tourist attractions

Introduction

Tourism means people traveling for fun. It includes activities such as sightseeing and
camping.
Tourism has become an important sector that has an impact on development of a country’s
economy. The main benefit of tourism are income creation and generation of jobs. It is the most
important source of income.

Different definitions of tourism

◆ It is defined by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as comprising 'the activities of

persons travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than
one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes.”
◆ Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure, or business purposes.
◆ Practice of travelling for recreation
◆ The commercial organization and operation of vacations and visits to places of interest

Domestic Tourism and International Tourism and its Differences

Domestic tourism is tourism involving residents of one country travelling within that country.

International Tourism refers to tourism that crosses national borders.

The table below shows the positive and negative effects of travelling within one’s own country
and travelling abroad:

Travelling Domestically Travelling Internationally

◆ Less Expensive ◆ More expensive
◆ No need for passports and visas ◆ Requires passports and visas
◆ Can travel first class ◆ Might encounter cultural adjustment
difficulties in foreign destination
Types of Domestic Tourist in the Philippines

In our country, the Philippines which is composed of 7,107 islands, domestic tourists is
classified in three categories that is based on their travel movements across the geographical and
political boundaries within the Philippine archipelago.

1.Interregional Domestic Tourist - this type of traveler moves from one region to another region.

2. Intraregional Domestic Tourist - this type of traveler moves from one province to another
province within one specific region

NUEVA ECIJA
R-III

BULACAN PAMPANGA
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3. Local Domestic Tourist - this type of traveler is often classified as an excursionist because of
the assumption that he or she will not need to stay beyond 24 hours in his/her destination, which
is always within his/her province.

GAPAN CABANATUAN
NUEVA ECIJA NUEVA ECIJA

Definition of Visitor and its types

Visitor is defined by UNWTO as are persons who are travelling to and staying in places
outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and
other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited.

Types of Visitors

1. Excursionists - travelers who stays not more than twenty-four (24) hours at their destinaton, or
who stays only for a day.
2. Tourists - travelers who stays at least more than twenty-four (24) hours at their
destinaton.Tourists are further classified into two:
2.1 Inbound Tourist - tourists who travel to a country outside of their own.
2.2 Domestic Tourist - tourists who travel outside of their area of residence but within their
own

Attractions and its types

It is a place where tourists visit, typically for its inherent or an exhibited natural or cultural
value, historical significance,natural or built beauty, offering leisure and amusement.

Types of Tourist Attractions

1. Natural Attraction - it basically means that it is not man- made.It is an attraction that has been
created by nature without any intervention from humans. Example: Chocolate Hills( Bohol),
Hundred Islands(Alaminos).
2. Man-made Attraction - it basically means that it is man- made.It is an attraction that has been
created by human being without any intervention from nature.
3. Site Attraction - it is a place of interest where tourist visit,typically for its inherent or an
exhibited natural or cultural value, historical significance, natural or built beauty,offering leisure
and amusement
4. Event Attraction/Festival - it is what attracts the visitor to the place (an enterprise, a place or
a phenomenon),which host the event(s) within in its premises and shares wit them some of its
spatio-temporal features and management aspects.
5. Historical Attraction - it is an official location where pieces of political,military, cultural, or
social history have been preserved due to their cultural heritage value and it is usually protected
by law, and many have been recognized with the official national historic site status.Example:
Intramuros
6. Special Interest Attraction - these attractions cater to specific types of people who have
specific purposes in visiting a destination. Many of these are independent travelers who belong to
a small group of enthusiasts in a particular activity.

Types of Special Interest Attraction

⚫ Mountaineering/Trekking
⚫ Spelunking
⚫ Bird Watching
⚫ Dolphin Watching
⚫ Scuba Diving
⚫ Golf
⚫ Surfing
⚫ Wakeboarding
⚫ Whale shark interaction
 Chapter II

History of Tourism in the Philippines

Learning Objectives

At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:

1. Know the history of tourism in the Philippines
2. Know the history of the Department of Tourism

Introduction

The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world. It has a rich history
combining Asian, European and American influences. Prior to Spanish colonization in 1521, the Filipinos
had a rich culture and were trading with the Chinese and Japanese.Spain’s colonization brought about the
construction of Intramuros in 1571, a “ walled city “ comprised of European buildings and churches,
replicated in different parts of the Archipelago. In 1898, after 350 years and 300 rebellions, the Filipinos,
with the leaders like Jose Rizal and Emilio Aguinaldo, succeeded in winning their independence.
In 1898, the Philippines became the first anf only colony of the United States of America (USA).
Following the Phlippine- American War, the Unites States bought widespread education to the islands.
Filipinos fought along side Americans during WW II, particularly at the famous battle of the Bataan and
Corregidor which delayed Japanesee advance and saved Australia. Then, they waged a guerilla war against
the Japanese from 1941 to 1945.The Philippines regained its independence in 1946.
Filipinos are a freedom-loving people, having waged two peaceful, bloodless revolution against what
were perceived as corupt regimes. The Philippines is a vibrant democracy, as evidenced by 12 English
national newspapers, 7 national television stations, hundreds of cable TV stations and 2,000 radio stations.
Filipinos are a fun-loving people. Throughout the Islands, there are fiestas celebrated everyday and
foreign guests are always welcome to their homes.

Logo of DOT

History of DOT

Started as a private initiative to promote the Philippines as a major travel destination, the Philippine
Tourist and Travel Association was organized in 1950. In 1956, the Board of Travel and Tourist Industry
was created by Congress as stipulated in the Reorganization Plan in 1972 sanctioned as a law under PD #
1, as amended, the Department of Trade and Tourism was established, reorganizing then Department of
Commerce was created under the unified Trade and Tourism Department to oversee the growth of the
tourism industry as a source of economic benefit for the country.
 In 1973, President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos created a new-cabinet level, Department of Tourism by
splitting the Department of Trade and Tourism into two separate departments, included in the new DOT,
the agency, Philippine Tourism Agency (PTA) and Philippine Convention Bureau (PCB) were created. The
DOT was then renamed to the Ministry of Tourism as a result of the shift in the form of the government
pursuant to the enforcement of the 1973 Constitution.
In 1986, under the EO Nos. 120 and 120-A signed by the President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, the
DOT was reorganized, and correspondingly, Philippine Convention Bureau (PCB) was renamed to
Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) and the Intramuros Administration (IA) was
attached, previously being under the defunct Ministry of Human Settlements. In 1988, the DOT assumed
country’s independence from the Spanish Empire in 1898.
In 2003, the DOT initiated one of its most successful tourism promotion project, Visit Philippines
Under Secretary Richard J.Gordon.
The latest improvements in the Tourism Industry in the Country came about with the passge of RA
9593 or the “Tourism Act of 2009” which states that “ Tourism in an indispensable element of the national
economy and an industry of national interest and importance; harnessed as an engine of socio-economic
growth/cultural affirmation, to generate investment, foreign exchange,employment and to mold national
pride.

List of Secretaries of Tourism

# Name Term Began Term Ended President

1 Jose D.Aspiras 05-11-1973 02-25-1986 MARCOS

2 Jose Antonio U.Gonzales 02-26-1986 04-14-1989

3 Narzalina Z .Lim 04-15-1989 06-07-1989

AQUINO
4 Peter D.Garrucho 06-08-1989 01-08-1991

5 Rafael M.Alunan III 01-09-1991 02-16-1992

6 Narzalina Z.LIm 02-17-1992 09-10-1992

7 Vicente J.Carlos 09-11-1992 07-03-1995

8 Eduardo P.Pilapil 07-04-1995 03-28-1996 RAMOS

9 Evelyn B.Pantig 03-29-1996 -07-07-1996

10 Mina T.Gabor 04-08-1996 06-30-1998

11 Gemma C.Araneta 07-01-1998 01-19-2001 ESTRADA

12 Pichard J.Gordon 01-20-2001 01-04-2004

13 Robert Dean S.Barbers 01-05-2004 02-25-2004

14 Roberto M.Pagdanganan 02-25-2004 08-31-2004 ARROYO

15 Evelyn B.Pantig 09-01-2004 11-29-2004

16 Joseph H.Durano 11-30-2004 06-30-2010

 17 Alberto Lim 07-01-2010 08-12-2011
AQUINO III
18 Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. 09-01-2011 06-30-2016

19 Wanda Tulfo Teo 06-30-2016 05-08-2018

DUTERTE
20 Bernadette Romulo-Puyat 05-11-2018 INCUMBENT

Organizational Structure of DOT

The DOT is headed by the Secretary of the DOT (Philippines) with the following four undersecretaries
and assistant undersecretaries.
⚫ Undersecretary for Administration and Special Concerns
⚫ Undersecretary for Public Affairs, Communications and Special Projects
⚫ Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Development
⚫ Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation Coordination and Resource Generations
⚫ Assistant Secretary for Administration and Special Concerns
⚫ Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Communications and Special Projects
⚫ Assistant Secretary for Tourism Planning and Development
⚫ Assistant Secretary for Tourism Regulation Coordination and Resource Generations for Luzon and
Visayas
Bureaus and Offices
⚫ Bureau of Domestic Tourism Promotions and Information
⚫ Bureau of International Tourism Promotions
⚫ Office of Tourism Information
⚫ Office of Tourism Standards
⚫ Office of Tourism Planning and Development
⚫ Office of Product Development
⚫ Office of Tourism Coordination
Philippine Archipelago and its Description
The Philippines is an archipelago that comprises of 7,107 islands with a total land area of 300,000
square kilometers (115,831 square miles). The eleven largest islands contain 95% of the total land area.
The largest of these islands is LUZON at about 105,000 square kilometers (40,541 square miles). The next
largest island is MINDANAO at about 95,000 square kilometers (36,680 square miles). The archipelago is
around 800 kilometers (500 miles) from the Asian mainland and is located between Taiwan and Borneo.
The Philippine Archipelago is divided into three island groups : LUZON, VISAYAS AND
MINDANAO. The Luzon islands include Luzon itself, Palawan, Mindoro,
Marinduque,Masbate,Romblon,Catanduanes, Batanes, and Polilio. The Visayas is the group of islands in
the Central Philippines, the largets of which are : Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar, Siquijor,
Biliran and Guimaras. The Mindanao islands include Mindanao itself, Dingat, Siargao, Camiguin, Samal
plus the Sulu Archipelago, composed of primarily, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
Physical Geography
The Philippine archipelago lies in Southeast Asia in a position that has led to its becoming a cultural
crossroads - a place where Malays, Hindus, Arabs, Chinese, Spaniards, Americans, and others had
interacted to forge a unique cultural and racial blend. The archipelago numbers some 7,641 islands.The
Philippines occupies an area that stretches for 1,850 kilometers (1,150 mi) from about the fifth to the
twentieth parallels north latitude. The total land area is 300,000 square kilometers (115,831 sq mi).Only
approximately 1,000 of its islands are populated, and fewer than one-half of these are larger than 2.5 square
kilometers (1 sq mi). Eleven islands make up 95 percent of the Philippine landmass, and two of these —
Luzon and Mindanao — measure 105,000 square kilometers (40,541 sq mi) and 95,000 square kilometers
(36,680 sq mi), respectively. They, together with the cluster of islands in Visayas in between them, represent
the three principal regions of the archipelago that are identified by the three stars on the Philippine flag.
The Philippines is broken up in many islands by the sea. This gives it the fifth longest coastline of 36,289
kilometers (22,549 mi) in the world.The Exclusive economic zone of the Philippines covers 2,263,816 km2
(874,064 sq mi), 200 nautical miles (370 km) from its shores.
Off the coast of eastern Mindanao is the Philippine Trench, which descends to a depth of 10,430 meters
(34,220 ft). The Philippines is part of a western Pacific arc system characterized by active volcanoes.
Among the most notable peaks are Mount Mayon near Legazpi City, Taal Volcano south of Manila, and
Mount Apo in Mindanao. All of the Philippine islands are prone to earthquakes. The northern Luzon
highlands, or Cordillera Central, rise to between 2,500 meters (8,200 ft) and 2,750 meters (9,020 ft), and,
together with the Sierra Madre in the northeastern portion of Luzon and the mountains of Mindanao, boast
rain forests that provide refuge for numerous upland tribal groups. The rain forests also offer prime habitat
for more than 500 species of birds, including the Philippine eagle (or monkey-eating eagle), some 1,100
species of orchids, and some 8,500 species of flowering plants.
The country's most extensive river systems are the Pulangi River, which flows into the Mindanao River
(Rio Grande de Mindanao); the Agusan, in Mindanao which flows north into the Mindanao Sea; the
Cagayan in northern Luzon; and the Pampanga, which flows south from east Central Luzon into Manila
Bay. Laguna de Bay, east of Manila Bay, is the largest freshwater lake in the Philippines. Several rivers
have been harnessed for hydroelectric power.
To protect the country's biological resources, the government has taken a first step of preparing a
Biodiversity Action Plan to address conservation of threatened species.
Most of the islands used to be covered by tropical rainforests. However, illegal logging has reduced
forest cover to less than 10% of the total land area.
Geology
Major volcanoes in the Philippines
The islands are volcanic in origin, being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, and are mostly mountainous.
The highest point in the country is the peak of Mount Apo in Mindanao, which is 2,954 meters (9,692 ft)
above sea level. The second highest point can be found on Luzon at Mount Pulag, a peak 2,842 meters
(9,324 ft) above sea level.
The Philippine Archipelago is geologically part of the Philippine Mobile Belt located between the
Philippine Sea Plate, the South China Sea Basin of the Eurasian Plate, and the Sunda Plate. The Philippine
Trench (also called the Mindanao Trench) is a submarine trench 1,320 kilometers (820 mi) in length found
directly east of the Philippine Mobile Belt and is the result of a collision of tectonic plates. The Philippine
Sea Plate is subducting under the Philippine Mobile Belt at the rate of about 16 centimeters (6.3 in) per
year. Its deepest point, the Galathea Depth, has a depth of 10,540 meters (34,580 ft). The Philippine Fault
System consists of a series of seismic faults that produce several earthquakes per year, most of which are
not felt.
Many volcanoes in the country are active, the most recent eruption being that of Mount Pinatubo
on Luzon in 1991. Mount Mayon is another of the active volcanoes and has the world's most perfectly
shaped cone. Mayon has a violent history of 47 eruptions since 1616 and another violent eruption is
currently feared. Taal Volcano, also located on Luzon, is one of the Decade Volcanoes.

Topography
Luzon
The Batanes and Babuyan islands
The Batanes and Babuyan Islands are situated on the northernmost extremity of the Philippines at
Luzon Strait facing Taiwan. It contains the northernmost point of land, the islet of Y'Ami in the Batanes
Islands, separated from Taiwan by the Bashi Channel (c.80.4672 kilometers (50.0000 mi) wide).
Western Luzon
 This region stretches from Mairaira Point in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte in the north to Cochinos Point in
Mariveles, Bataan in the south. The terrain ranges from coastal plains to rugged mountains bordered by the
South China Sea in the west and the Cordillera Central and Zambales mountain ranges in the east. Western
Luzon is known for its beaches, surf spots and historic towns.

Cagayan Valley
Nestled between the Cordilleras in the east and the Sierra Madre mountain ranges in the west is the
Cagayan Valley, also the name of the administrative region which it covers. Through its center runs the
country's longest river, the Cagayan, flowing in a northward direction before emptying its waters in the
Luzon Strait at the town of Aparri.

Cordilleras and Caraballos

The Cordilleras and Caraballos, together with the Sierra Madre Range, form the main mountain system
in Northern Luzon.
The Cordilleras consists of two, sometimes three, mountain ranges that are found in northwestern
central Luzon. The first, called Caraballo del Sur, forms the nucleus of the system and has its highest peaks
in the border between the provinces of Abra, Ilocos Norte and Cagayan. Caraballo Occidentalles, is further
divided into two ranges, the Cordillera Norte and Cordillera Central.[citation needed] They line the central
portions of the Cordillera Administrative Region.
The Caraballos (Caraballo de Baler) start where the Sierra Madre and the Cordilleras meet. They are
found south of Cagayan Valley, northeast of the Central Luzon Plains.

Sierra Madre Mountains

Lying in the eastern portion of Luzon is the longest mountain range in the Philippines, the Sierra
Madre, stretching from Quezon province in the south to Cagayan in the north. 80 percent of the mountain
range is tropical rainforest, which is diminishing from rampant illegal logging activity. The range serves as
the eastern wall of Luzon Island that protects inhabitants from tropical cyclones usually coming from the
Pacific Ocean.

Central Luzon Plains

The largest plain of the nation is situated in the Central Luzon region and produces most of the national
rice supply, earning itself the nickname "Rice Bowl of the Philippines". The plains encompass the provinces
of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Pangasinan.
Manila-Katagalugan plains
South of the Central Luzon plains lies the largest inland freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, the Laguna
de Bay. To the east of the lake is a plain that stretches westward to the Manila Bay. Large rivers from bays
and mountain springs traverse the plain. In the northern part of the region, that is, Manila and Rizal, most
of the plain had been converted into cities and towns, and are thus industrialized. Lying east of the lake is
the southern terminus of the Sierra Madre mountain range at northern Quezon province.
To the southwest of the Laguna de Bay is the nation's third largest lake, the Taal, bordered to the north
by the Tagaytay Ridge, a ridge stretching from southern Cavite to northern Batangas provinces.

Bondoc Peninsula
The Bondoc Peninsula is located in the southeastern part of Quezon Province.

Bicol Peninsula
Southeast of Laguna de Bay lies the Bicol Peninsula, connected to mainland Luzon by the isthmus of
Tayabas. The predominantly flat landscape features several solitary peaks, usually active volcanoes, which
include Iriga, Mayon and Bulusan.
 The peninsula has an irregular coastline that features large bays and gulfs, which include the Lamon
Bay, San Miguel Bay, Lagonoy Gulf, and Albay Gulf to the north, and the Tayabas Bay, Ragay
Gulf and Sorsogon Bay to the south.

Mindoro Island
Mindoro coastal plain
Mindoro's coastal plains are characterized by rice and corn fields, rivers, beaches, and extensive open
space areas. Most of the population is concentrated on the northern and eastern coast of this island where
the city of Calapan and Puerto Galera are located.

Mindoro highlands
The Mindoro mountain range begins with Mount Halcon and is further divided into three. The
northwest ends at Calavite Point and is a landmark for ships. The east originates from Lake Naujan and the
west follows the Mindoro Strait.

Palawan
Kalayaan islands (Spratly Islands)
The Kalayaan Islands are located to the west of Palawan. Kalayaan is a Filipino word meaning
"freedom".

Mindanao
An old map of Mindanao from the Atlas of the Philippine Islands (1900).

Eastern Pacific Cordillera

The eastern coast of Mindanao features a long mountain range, the Eastern Pacific Cordillera, which
stretches from Bilar Point at Surigao in the north to Cape San Agustin at Davao in the south. Forming its
northern portion are the Diwata Mountains (also spelled Diuata), separated from the south by low passes
situated at the middle. To the east of the range are narrow strips of lowland that feature several inlets and
bays, the most prominent of which include the Lianga and Bislig bays.

Davao-Agusan Trough
To the west of the Pacific Cordillera lies an extensive lowland, the Davao-Agusan Trough. Its northern
portion includes the Agusan Valley which forms the lower river basin of the Agusan River. The river flows
in a northward direction and empties into the Iligan Bay. Draining the southern portion of the lowland are
several other rivers, which include the Tagum, flowing southward to the Davao Gulf.

Central Mindanao highlands

Situated west of the Davao-Agusan Trough is a complex series of mountain ranges called the Central
Mindanao Highlands (also known as the Central Cordillera). From these mountains form the headwaters of
several rivers which include the Rio Grande de Mindanao, Pulangi, Maridagao and Tagoloan rivers. Several
tall mountains, such as Mount Apo, the country's highest are found within the range.

Bukidnon-Lanao plateaus
The north-central portion of Mindanao is dominated by an extensive highland region, the Bukidnon-
Lanao Plateau, which includes the Kitanglad and Kalatungan mountain ranges. Within the plateau lies the
country's second largest lake, Lake Lanao situated at an elevation of 2,296 feet, drained by the Agus River
flowing northward to its river mouth at Iligan Bay.
Cotabato Basin
South of the Bukidnon-Lanao Plateau lies a large depression, the Cotabato Basin, which forms the
lower river basin of the country's second largest river system, the Rio Grande de Cagayan (also known as
the Mindanao River). Surrounded by three mountain ranges, the basin's only opening to the sea is to the
northwest at Illana Bay, where the Mindanao River empties into the ocean.
To the southeast of the main basin are two large valleys, the Koronadal and Allah valleys

Tiruray highlands
Situated south and west of the Cotabato Basin are a moder
ately high mountain range, the Tiruray Highlands, which block off the Basin from the southern
coastline.South of the highlands are narrow strips of coastlines.

Zamboanga peninsula
At the northwestern tip of Mindanao is the generally mountainous Zamboanga Peninsula. The chain
of mountain ranges in this region is called Zamboanga Cordilleras, with the highest elevation at Mount
Dapi, which is 2,617 meters (8,586 ft) high.
The southern coastline is irregular, featuring two smaller peninsulas, the Sibuguey and Baganian,
extending southward to the Moro Gulf.
Outlying islands of Mindanao

Dinagat and Siargao Islands

To the north of the Diwata Mountains at northeast Mindanao lie Siargao island and the Dinagat group
of islands.

Sulu Archipelago
Southwest of the Zamboanga Peninsula is the Sulu Archipelago, a chain of islands which comprise the
smaller archipelago provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

Administrative geography
The Philippines is divided into a hierarchy of local government units (LGUs) with the 81 provinces
and 38 independent cities as the primary unit. Provinces are further subdivided into component cities and
municipalities, both of which consist of barangays, the smallest local government unit.

Regions
There are 17 regions comprising the Philippines. Each region, with the exception of the National
Capital Region, is further subdivided into component provinces. The National Capital Region is divided
into four special districts.
Most government offices establish regional offices in a city to serve the constituent provinces. Such
cities are designated as "regional centers". The regions themselves do not possess a separate local
government, with the exception of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Provinces
Forming the regions, with the exception of the National Capital, are the 81 provinces. Each province
has a capital city or municipality.

Landlocked and island provinces

Of the 81 provinces of the Philippines, 15 are landlocked, and 16 are island provinces.
 Landlocked provinces
Province Region Island
Apayao CAR Luzon
Abra CAR Luzon
Kalinga CAR Luzon
Mountain Province CAR Luzon
Ifugao CAR Luzon
Benguet CAR Luzon
Nueva Vizcaya II Luzon
Quirino II Luzon
Nueva Ecija III Luzon
Tarlac III Luzon
Laguna [A] IV-A Luzon
Rizal [A] IV-A Luzon
Bukidnon X Mindanao
North Cotabato XII Mindanao
Agusan del Sur XIII Mindanao

Island provinces
Province Region Island group
Batanes II Luzon
Marinduque IV-B Luzon
Romblon IV-B Luzon
Palawan IV-B Luzon
Catanduanes V Luzon
Masbate V Luzon
Guimaras VI Visayas
Cebu VII Visayas
Bohol VII Visayas
Siquijor VII Visayas
Biliran VIII Visayas
Camiguin X Mindanao
Dinagat Islands XIII Mindanao
Basilan BARMM Mindanao
Sulu BARMM Mindanao
Tawi-Tawi BARMM Mindanao
Climate
 The Philippines has a tropical climate dominated by a rainy season and a dry season, although certain
locations have no dry season (meaning, all months have an average rainfall of above 60 mm) and certain
higher-altitude areas can have a subtropical climate. The summer monsoon brings heavy rains to most of
the archipelago from May to October, whereas the winter monsoon brings relatively cooler and drier air
from December to February.
Monsoon rains, although hard and drenching, are not normally associated with high winds and waves.
But the Philippines sit astride the typhoon belt, and it suffers an annual onslaught of dangerous storms from
July through October. These are especially hazardous for northern and eastern Luzon and
the Bicol and Eastern Visayas regions, but Manila gets devastated periodically as well.
In the last decade, the Philippines Mount Pinatubo eruption also damaged much of Central Luzon,
the lahar burying towns and farmland, and the ashes affecting global temperatures.
Building construction is undertaken with natural disasters in mind. Most rural housing has consisted
of nipa huts that are easily damaged but are inexpensive and easy to replace. Most urban buildings are steel
and concrete structures designed (not always successfully) to resist both typhoons and earthquakes. Damage
is still significant, however, and many people are displaced each year by typhoons, earthquakes, and other
natural disasters. In 1987 alone the Department of Social Welfare and Development helped 2.4 million
victims of natural disasters.
CIA Statistics
Unless otherwise indicated, the information below is taken from CIA Factbook information for the
Philippines.
Area
Total: 300,000 square kilometres (115,831 sq mi)
Land: 298,170 square kilometres (115,124 sq mi)
Water: 1,830 square kilometres (707 sq mi)
Coastline
36,289 kilometres (22,549 mi)
Maritime claims
Continental shelf: to depth of exploitation
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles (370 km)
Territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100 nautical miles (190 km; 120 mi) from coastline
as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea
up to 285 nautical miles (528 km; 328 mi) in breadth.