HTM111: PHILIPPINE GEOGRAPHY

GEOGRAPHY  To the North: China, Taiwan,

Japan, North Korea, South
- Greek word “geographia” (earth Korea
description).  To the South: Indonesia and
- Herodotus – Father of History, Malaysia
also geography  To the West: Thailand,
- 2 types: physical and human Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia,
geography Lao People’s Democratic
DISCOVER PHILIPPINES Republic, India
 To the East: Countries in the
Located in Southeast Asia Pacific
Capital: City of Manila
consisting of 7,641 islands with Population
a total land area of 300,000
square kilometers
East – Philippine Sea
West – West Philippine Sea
South – Celebes Sea
Philippines is divided into 3
island groups: Luzon, Visayas,
Mindanao
Composed of 17 regions, and
81 provinces Languages:
Luzon is the largest island, is
the 17th largest island in the  2 Official Languages: English &
world Filipino
Visayas is the smallest It is  8 major dialects spoken by the
composed of 5 main islands: majority of the Filipinos:
Samar, Panay, Negros, Cebu
Tagalog Bicol
and Leyte. Cebuano Waray
Mindanao is the 2nd largest Ilocano Pampanga
island. This is dubbed as “The Illonggo Pangasinense
Land of Promise”. Composed of Religion:
only one main island and with
outlying islands of Sulu, Tawi- The Philippines is one of only two
Tawi, Basilan, Camiguin, and major Roman Catholic countries in
Dinagat Island Asia 94% Christians (81% Roman
Catholic, 2% Protestant
Neighboring countries: 11%Philippine Independent Church)
5% are Muslims PHILIPPINES’ NATIONAL
SYMBOLS
Culture:
Official National Symbols of the
- Influences from the Spanish, Philippines
Japanese, and Americans.
National Flag - made of silk, had a
5TH LARGEST English-speaking white equilateral triangle at the left
country in the world Democratic containing a sunburst of eight rays at
Government the center, a five-pointed star at each
 Executive Branch - headed by angle of the triangle, an upper stripe
the President & Vice President of blue and a lower stripe of red.
 Legislative Branch – Senate and  Sun – liberty
House of Representatives  Sunburst – 8 provinces
 Judicial Branch – Supreme  3 stars – luzon, visayas,
Court mindanao
 white triangle – hope for
Major Industries:
equality
 Agriculture: sugarcane,  blue – peace, truth and justice
coconuts, rice, corn, bananas,  red – patriotism and valor
cassavas, pineapple, mangoes,
National Anthem: Lupang
pork, eggs, beef, fish
Hinirang (Juan Felipe)
 Industry: Electronics assembly,
footwear, pharmaceutical, - June 12 1898
chemicals, wood products, food - Its lyrics were adopted from the
processing, fishing Spanish poem, Filipinas, which
was written by José Palma.

National Flower: Sampaguita

Political Geography
- known as the Arabian Jasmine.
 The Philippines is divided into a
- symbolizes purity, simplicity,
hierarchy of local government
humility and strength.
units (LGUs) with the 81
provinces as the primary unit. National Tree: Narra
 Provinces are further subdivided
into cities and municipalities, - known as rosewood
which are in turn composed of - made official by Gov. Gen.
barangays Frank Murphy through
 The barangay is the smallest Proclamation No. 652 s. 1934
local government unit.
National Bird: Philippine Eagle
- scientifically known as
Pithecophaga Jefferyi.
- 1978 by former President
Ferdinand Marcos through
Proclamation No. 1732.

National Gem: Philippine Pearl

- declared by Former President

Fidel V. Ramos through
Proclamation No. 905 s. 1996
- known as Pinctada Maxima.

National Sport: Arnis

- both a martial art and a sport

- known by two other names: Kali
and Eskrima, and makes use of
both bladed weapons,
batons/sticks, and bare hands
- 2009 when then-Pres. Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo signed
Republic Act 9850 into law.

Unofficial National Symbols

- listed by NCCA

National Hero: Dr. Jose Rizal

National Leaf: Anahaw

National Fruit: Mango

National Animal: Carabao

National House: Bahay Kubo

National Fish: Bangus

National Dance: Tinikling or

Carinosa

National Dish: Sinigang or Adobo

Known Title/name of the 19. Bacoor - Band Capital of the
Provinces/Cities in the Philippines Philippines
20. Gen. San City- Tuna Capital
1. Aklan - Oldest province in the 21. Isulan - Oil Palm Capital of the
Philippines Philippines
2. Cebu City- Oldest City in the 22. Pangasinan - Saltmaking Capital
Philippines 23. Negros Occidental - Sugar Bowl
3. Davao City - Largest City in the 24. Romblon - Marble Capital
Philippines 25. Rizal - Cradle of Philippine Arts
4. Iloilo - Province with most 26. Cavite - Cradle of Phil.
number of barangays Revolution
5. Negros Occidental - Province 27. La Union - Surfing Capital of
with most number of cities the North
6. Palawan - Largest Province in 28. Biliran - Shipyard of Antiquity
the Philippines 29. Camiguin - Island Born of Fire
7. Sablayan, Occ. Mindoro - 30. Siquijor - Island of Fire
Largest Municipality in the 31. Makati - Manhattan of the
Philippines Philippines
8. Miagao, Iloilo - Municipality 32. Marikina - Shoe Capital of the
with most number of barangays, Philippines
Onion Capital of Visayas 33. Cebu - Gateway to a Thousand
9. Nueva Ecija - Rice Granary of Journeys
the Philippines 34. Masbate - Great Wild West of
10. Pampanga - Culinary Capital of Phil.
the Philippines 35. Tarlac - Melting Pot of Central
11. Marinduque - Heart of the Luzon
Philippines 36. Bataan - History Hub of Central
12. Iloilo City - The First queen Luzon
City of the South, City where 37. Bulacan - Manila's Gateway to
the Past is always present the North
13. Dumaguete - City of Gentle 38. Palawan - Philippines' Last
People Frontier
14. Cagayan de Oro - City of 39. Guimaras - Mango County of
Golden Friendship Visayas
15. Quezon City - City of Stars and 40. Manduluyong - Shopping
New Horizons Capital
16. Manila - Ever Distinguished 41. Muntinlupa - The Emerald City
Loyal City 42. Valenzuela - The Only Divided
17. Roxas City - Seafood Capital of City
the Philippines 43. Lanao del Sur - Cradle of
18. Antique - Province where the Muslim Art
mountain meets the sea
44. South Cotabato - Conference 69. Samar - Spelunking Capital
Capital of Mindanao 70. Davao del Norte - Durian and
45. Dinagat Island - Mystical Banana Capital
Province of Love 71. Baguio City - Summer Capital/
46. Surigao del Norte - Surfing City of Pines
Capital 72. San Fernando, Pampanga -
47. Eastern Samar - Gateway to Lantern Capital
Phil. Discovery 73. Misamis Occ - Christmas
48. Cam Sur - Wakeboarding Capital of Mindanao
Capital 74. Benguet - Salad Bowl of the
49. Lanao del Norte - Land of Philippines
Beauty and Bounty 75. Kalinga - White Rafting Capital
50. Pateros - Balut Capital of the North
51. San Juan - Tiangge Capital 76. Isabela - Rice Granary of the
52. Navotas - Fishing Capital of North
Greater Manila 77. Nueva Vizcaya - Watershed
53. Laguna - The Silicon Valley Haven of Cagayan Valley
54. Batangas - Diving and Shipping 78. Ilocos Sur - Heritage Haven of
Capital the Far North
55. Batanes - Land of True Insulars 79. Oriental Mindoro - Harbor
56. Quirino - Forest Heartland of Gateway to the South
Cagayan Valley 80. Agusan del Norte - Land of
57. Zambales - Chromite Capital Antiquated Finds
58. Aurora - Land of Golden 81. Tacloban City - City of Hope
Sunrise 82. Tagbilaran - City of Peace and
59. Zamboanga del Norte - Province Friendship
of South's Twin City 83. Tuguegarao - Premier Ybanag
60. Bukidnon - Pineapple Capital City
61. Catanduanes - Land of the 84. Butuan - Timber City of the
Howling Wind South
62. Maguindanao - Seat of Muslim 85. Gingoog - City of Good Luck
Mindanao 86. Davao - Fruit Basket and King
63. Sitangkai, Tawi Tawi - Venice City of the South
of the South 87. Dapitan - Shrine and Historic
64. Cotabato - Land of Mightiest City of the South
Mountain 88. Pagadian - Little Hong Kong of
65. Neg. Oriental - Whale and the South
Dolphin Haven 89. Zamboanga City - Asias Latin
66. Paranaque - Fashion Capital City, Sardines Capital, City of
67. Pasay - Travel Capital Flowers
68. Lucena, Quezon - Biofuel & 90. Mati - Coconut City of the
Biopalm City South
91. Catbalogan - City of Captivating 116.Pototan, Iloilo - Christmas
Contrast Capital of Visayas
92. Tagum - Music Capital of the 117.Lantapan, Bukidnon - Vegetable
South Basket of Mindanao
93. Sulu - Land of Exotic Fruits 118.Malaybalay, Bukidnon -
94. Bacolod - City of Smiles Summer Capital of the South
95. Passi - Sweet City at the Heart 119.Oroquieta - City of Good Life
of Panay 120.Digos - Clay Capital of
96. Antipolo - City in the Sky Mindanao
97. Calbayog - City of Waterfalls 121.Malita - Banana Capital of
98. Las Pinas - Salt Center of Metro Davao
Manila 122.Samal - Phil. Island Garden City
99. Taguig - The ProvinSyudad 123.Kidapawan - City at the foot of
100.Valenzuela - Vibrant City of Mt Apo
Discipline 124.Koronadal - Ilonggo City of the
101.Maasin City, S. Leyte - The South
Religious City 125.El Nido - Heaven on Earth
102.Lingayen - The Most Romantic 126.Puerto Galera - Poors man
Place Boracay
103.Alimodian, Iloilo - Banana 127.Puerto Princesa - EcoTourism
Capital of Panay Capital
104.Dagupan - Bangus Capital 128.Cainta, Rizal - Bibingka Capital
105.La Trinidad, Benguet - 129.Calamba - Hot Spring Capital
Strawberry Capital 130.Imus - The Philippine Flag
106.Cauayan, Isabela - Mushroom Capital
City of the North 131.Lipa, Batangas - City of Pride
107.Donsol, Sorsogon - World's 132.Molo, Iloilo - Athens of the
Whale Shark Capital Philippines
108.Legazpi - City of Fun and
Adventure, ATV capital
109.Naga - Bicols Queen City
110.Mandaue, Cebu - Furniture
Capital
111.Borongan - King City of the
East
112.Dipolog - The Phil. Orchid City
113.Gutalac, Zamb. Norte - Pebble
Capital
114.El Salvador, Mis Or - City of
Divine Mercy
115.Iligan - City of Waterfalls
Region 1: The Ilocos Region – San Region 2: Cagayan Valley Region
Fernando City, La Union – Tuguegarao City

- was first inhabited by aboriginal - filled with undulating mountains

Negritoes before being pushed by and valleys, wonderful caves and
Malay/Austronesian immigrants waterfalls, jungles and vast
farmlands
1. Ilocos Norte – Laoag City
5. Batanes – Basco
is a coastal province. It is home to
pristine white beaches of Pagudpud perfect place for bike touring
and the black sand ones in Laoag.
6. Cagayan – Tuguegarao City
2. Ilocos Sur – Vigan City
existed during the colonial Spanish
an internationally acclaimed historic times
destination
7. Isabela - Ilagan
3. La Union – San Fernando City
home to the largest preserved jungle
home to the surfing capital of the in the country, the Northern Sierra
North Madre Natural Park

8. Nueva Vizcaya – Bayombong

4. Pangasinan – Lingayen famous for its high-quality fruits

“The Citrus Capital of the
Pangasinan’s name means “where Philippines.”
the salt comes from”
9. Quirino - Cabarroguis - most populated region in the
Philippines, and one of the most
brimming with souvenir-worthy historically significant.
products; bigger industry of antiques
and wood furniture. 17. Cavite - Imus

Region 3: Central Luzon – San was once the mooring place for
Fernando City, Pampanga Chinese traders

- known as the rice basket of the 18. Laguna – Sta. Cruz

Philippines
birthplace of the Philippines’
10. Aurora - Baler national hero, Jose Rizal

named after President Manuel 19. Batangas – Batangas City

Quezon’s wife
known as the industrial growth
11. Bataan - Balanga center in the region

site of the Death March in World 20. Rizal - Antipolo

War II
mountainous province
12. Bulacan - Malolos
21. Quezon – Lucena City
the first province that revolted
against Spain country’s main producer of coconut
products, such as coconut oil and
13. Pampanga – San Fernando copra
City

was once part of The Kingdom of

Tondo, covering almost the whole
region

14. Tarlac – Tarlac City

15. Zambales - Iba

bastion of the Aetas

16. Nueva Ecija – Palayan City

considered The Rice Bowl of the

Philippines

Region 4-A: CALABARZON –

Calamba, Laguna
Region 4-B: MIMAROPA – 30. Masbate – Masbate City
Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
ranch capital in the Philippines
22. Occidental Mindoro -
Mamburao 31. Sorsogon – Sorsogon City

“Home of the Indigenous home to the majestic butanding

Mangyans” 32. Albay – Legazpi City
23. Oriental Mindoro – Calapan most famous for its perfectly cone-
City shaped volcano, Mount Mayon
24. Marinduque - Boac Region 6: Western Visayas – Iloilo
home to one of the oldest religious City
festivals in the country, the Moriones 33. Aklan - Kalibo
Festival
34. Antique – San Jose de
25. Romblon - Romblon Buenavista
“Home of Marble” home of the god of the ancients,
26. Palawan – Puerto Princesa Bulalakaw
City 35. Guimaras - Jordan
most beautiful island in the world by well-known for its high-quality
Conde Nast Traveller Readers, the production of mangoes
best island by National Geographic
Traveller in 2007 36. Capiz - Roxas

Region 5: Bicol Region – Legazpi Seafood Capital of the Philippines

City and part of the 15 Most Visited
Provinces in the country
27. CamarinesNorte - Daet

Calaguas Islands.

28. Camarines Sur - Pili

37. Iloilo – Iloilo City
been the site of the famous reality
TV show Survivor has a beautiful old-world
architecture

38. Negros Occidental – Bacolod

29. Catanduanes - Virac City
an international surfing destination Sugarbowl of the Philippines
Region 7: Central Visayas Region famous for its abaca products. It is
– Cebu City the main producer of abaca fiber.

39. Bohol - Tagbilaran City 48. Eastern Samar - Borongan

still a popular tourist destination the second-largest island in the

regardless. Visayas

40. Cebu – Cebu City Region 9: The Zamboanga

Peninsula – Pagadian City,
main center of commerce, trade, Zamboanga del Sur
education and industry in the
Visayas 49. Zamboanga Del Norte –
Dipolog City
41. Siquijor - Siquijor
where the national hero, Jose Rizal,
“The Island of Fire (Isla de Fuego) spent four years in exile
by Spaniards
50. Zamboangadel Sur – Pagadian
42. Negros Oriental – Dumaguete City
City
best source of crustaceans
“City of the Gentle People”
51. ZamboangaSibugay – Ipil
Region 8: Eastern Visayas Region
– Tacloban City

43. Biliran - Naval Region 10: Northern Mindanao –

Cagayan de Oro City
one of the smallest and newest
provinces. 52. Camiguin – Mambajao

44. Leyte – Tacloban City second smallest island after Batanes,

“the island borne of fire.”
where General MacArthur
announced the famous phrase, “I 53. Bukidnon – Malaybalay City
shall return”
fourth largest province, and is the
45. Northern Samar – Catarman major producer of Mindanao’s rice
and corn
first Philippine landfall seen by the
Manila galleons 54. Lanao Del Norte - Tubod

46. Samar - Catbalogan home to the Agus Power Plants and

supplies
Caving Center of the Philippines
55. Misamis Oriental – Cagayan
47. Southern Leyte – Maasin City de Oro City
was once under an Indianized 65. Sarangani – Alabel
kingdom in the tenth century
Region 13: The Caraga Region –
56. Misamis Occidental – Butuan City
Oroquieta City
66. AgusandelNorte - Cabadbaran
has wood as its major forest product
one of the country’s main producers
Region 11: Davao Region – Davao of rice
City
67. Agusandel Sur - Prosperidad
57. Compostela Valley –
Nabunturan 68. SurigaodelNorte – Surigao
City
known for its gold mining industry
69. Surigaodel Sur – Tandag City

70. Dinagat Islands – San Jose

58. Davao del Norte – Tagum City
Region 14: Cordillera
largest resort in the Philippines Administrative Region – Baguio
City
59. Davao del Sur – Digos City
71. Apayao – Kabugao
highest mountain in the country
“Cordillera’s Last Frontier to
60. Davao Oriental – Mati City Nature’s Richness”
quite young and is also the copra 72. Abra – Bangued
capital of the Philippines
73. Benguet – La Trinidad
61. Davao Occidental – Malita
major producer of fresh vegetables
newest province with 5 and other perishable goods in the
municipalities country
Region 12: SoCCSKSarGen – 74. Ifugao - Lagawe
Koronadal City
famous for its rice terraces, being
62. South Cotabato – Koronadal deemed as a UNESCO World
City Heritage Site
home to the Dreamweavers 75. Kalinga – Tabuk City
63. Cotabato–Kidapawan City the art of their tattoo practice (Batok)
Mindanao’s food basket for the last thousand years

64. Sultan Kudarat - Isulan 76. Mountain Province - Bontoc

famous for its oranges

ARMM: Autonomous Region in

Muslim Mindanao – Cotabato City

77. Basilan – Lamitan City

78. Lanaodel Sur – Marawi City

79. Maguindanao – ShariffAguak

80. Sulu - Jolo

home to the richest fishing ground in

the country

81. Tawi-Tawi – Bongao

came from the phrase “jaui-jaui”

meaning far, as it is because of its
distance from the mainland

NCR: National Capital Region –

Manila City

Cities:

Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas,

Valenzuela, Quezon City, Marikina,
Pasig, Taguig, Makati, Manila,
Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasay,
Parañaque, Las Piñas, and
Muntinlupa.

Pateros - municipality