The Philippines was first colonized by the followers of the religion of Islam when the first group of Muslim Traders arrived in Sulu in 1380. As the Muslim traders spread throughout the archipelago, they established sultanates as a form of governance all throughout the 3 main islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. In 1521 the Spaniards arrived to conquer the Philippines and they battled with the Muslims(Moros) and successfully drove them back to Sulu. The Spaniards ruled over the Philippines until 1898 when the Americans won the Spanish-American war. The Philippines was then ceded to the United States of America.  In 1935, the USA allowed the Philippines to become a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence. On July 4, 1946 the Republic of the Philippines attained its independence and became a sovereign country for the first time.

Government type: presidential republic

The Philippines is divided into Regions, Provinces, Cities and Municipalities, Barangays and Puroks.

• As of 2015 according to the NSCB (National Statistical Coordination Board)
  • The Philippines is divided into 17 Regions.
  • There are 81 PROVINCES in the Philippines.
  • There are 146 Cities in the Philippines.
    • 38 Chartered cities: Angeles, Bacolod, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Caloocan, Cebu, Cotabato, Dagupan, Davao, General Santos, Iligan, Iloilo, Lapu-Lapu, Las Pinas, Lucena, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Mandaue, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Naga, Navotas, Olongapo, Ormoc, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Puerto Princesa, Quezon, San Juan, Santiago, Tacloban, Taguig, Valenzuela, Zamboanga City
  • There are 1,489 Municipalities in the Philippines.
  • There are 42,046 Barangays in the Philippines.

Capital City: Manila

Area: 300,000 sq. km. (117,187 sq. mi.).

• Terrain: Islands, 65% mountainous, with narrow coastal lowlands.
• Climate: Tropical, astride typhoon belt.
• Total water area: 1,830 sq km.
• Total coastline: 36,289 km.

Languages (dialects) of the Philippines: The Philippines has over 70 languages or dialects. Two native languages standout, that is Visayan and Tagalog. But as far the educational system and legislative system of the Philippines are concerned, the basic language is English. All tests to get certified and become professionals in the field of education, engineering, medicine, aviation, agriculture, etc. etc. are English based.

Featured News of the Philippines

Updated: June 3, 2023

PPP Board reorganized to boost private sector participation.
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has amended the composition of an overall policy-making body for public-private partnership (PPP) – related matters to strengthen the private sector’s participation. Executive Order (EO) 30, inked by Marcos on June 1, makes changes in the PPP Governing Board (PPPGB) in view of the reorganization of the National Competitive Council (NCC). Under EO 30, the President is authorized to appoint one representative from the private sector, “coming from a reputable organization in the banking, business, or infrastructure sector.”

Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202812

‘Habagat’ to bring rains over Occidental Mindoro, Palawan
MANILA – The southwest monsoon (habagat) will bring rains on Saturday, particularly to the western section of the country. In its 4 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said monsoon rains may affect Occidental Mindoro and northern Palawan, including Calamian Islands. The weather disturbance will also bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Batangas, Cavite, the rest of Mimaropa, and Western Visayas.

Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202809

Last Updated on June 3, 2023