As noted, the stars on the flag represent the 3 major islands of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
After the constitutional change of 1987 the name of Mindanao was changed to “Muslim Mindanao”.
Filipino is the national language. But English is the “lingua franca”. English is the official language for the Educational system and Judicial System.
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: October 12, 2023
Boosting Food Safety in Romblon: DOST’s Initiative for a Healthier Community.
ODIONGAN, Romblon – With an increasing focus on promoting safe food handling and preparation, the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is ramping up its efforts to educate local eateries and small food enterprises. Marcelina Servañez, the S&T Director for DOST-Romblon, detailed in a recent interview that a new initiative, the Food Establishment Inspection and Grading System (FEIGS), was trialed in the municipalities of Odiongan and Romblon. This is in line with the province’s aim to elevate food safety standards, considering the surge in tourism.
Assistance program to Central Luzon Farmers: New Rice Processing Initiatives Unveiled.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – To fortify the agricultural backbone of Central Luzon, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) has embarked on collaborative ventures with local governmental bodies. A memorandum of understanding was inked on Wednesday, bringing together PHilMech and the municipalities of Baliuag, Pulilan in Bulacan, the provincial leadership of Nueva Ecija, and the Quezon municipality within Nueva Ecija. This collaboration aims to erect state-of-the-art rice processing facilities, championed under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) mechanization agenda.
Last Updated on October 12, 2023