The Philippines is a country in Southeast Asia. It is made up of over 7000 islands in the Pacific Ocean. Based on a census survey in 2000 the ethnic groups that inhabit the Philippines are Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3%.

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Climate

The climate is mostly tropical marine. The terrain is made of mountains and wetlands with coastal lowlands. The current environmental issues the Philippines face is deforestation in the watershed areas.

Culture

The Philippines is a country that has varied cultural influences. Most of these influences are results of previous colonization, deriving mainly from the culture of Spain and the United States. Spanish influences on Philippine culture are most evident when it comes to religion and religious practices. Numerous “fiestas” or religious festivals are celebrated year-round, mostly in honor of their respective patron saints. Fiesta celebrations involve whole communities, with locals decking the exteriors of their houses in crops and decorations and opening their homes to neighbors and tourists alike to partake in sumptuous feasts.

History

  • 1521: Ferdinand Magellan headed first Spanish foray to the Philippines, which were named after King Philip II.
  • 1898: June 12th declared as independence day from Spain.
  • 1900: President William McKinley sent out a Second Philippine Commission headed by William Taft, and by 1901 it had established civil government.
  • 1907-1935:The Nacionalista Party under the leadership of Manuel Quezon and Sergio Osmeña dominated Philippine politics from 1907 until independence.
  • 1933: U.S. Congress passed the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act, which set a date for Philippine independence
  • 1935: Manuel Quezon and Sergio Osmeña were nominated and elected president and vice president respectively.
  • 1965: Ferdinand E. Marcos was elected to presidency, his administration faced economic problems that were exacerbated by corruption, tax evasion and smuggling.
  • 1969: Marcos became the first elected president to win reelection.
  • 1972: Marcos declared martial law. He claimed it was the last defense against the rising disorder caused by increasingly violent student demonstrations.
  • 1986: Corazon Aquino became president.
  • 1987: A new constitution was drafted and ratified

Poverty

In the Philippines about 55.6% of jobs are in the service industry, 26.9% are in agriculture, and 17.5% are in industry. The rate of unemployment is 5.5% and about 21.6% of the population is below the poverty line.

electricity

Of the total population 88% have electricity, 94% of people in urban areas and 82% of people in rural areas. This still leaves 20.6 million people without electricity. ​

Water Access

Of the total population 91.1% have had improvement in drinking water sources, 90.3% of the rural population and 93.7% of the urban population. ​

Sanitation

Of the total population 73.9% have improved sanitation, 70.8% of the rural population and 77.9% of the urban population ​