Overview
This lecture covered the location, origins, and geographic features of the Philippines, exploring both scientific theories and myths, and examined how geography has influenced Filipino history and culture.
Location and Basic Features
- The Philippines is in Southeast Asia, bordered by Taiwan (north), West Philippine Sea (west), Pacific Ocean (east), and Celebes Sea (south).
- The country has about 7,641 islands, with numbers fluctuating due to discovery and submergence.
- Total land area is approximately 114,830 square miles and about 1,000 miles from north to south.
- The Philippines contains seven main mountain ranges; Sierra Madre is the longest, Mount Apo is the tallest peak.
- The archipelago has the fifth longest coastline in the world and many bays and coves.
Major Geographic Characteristics
- The country lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire and has many volcanoes, like Taal, Mayon, and Pinatubo.
- It possesses major rivers (e.g., Cagayan, Pasig, Jalaur, Iloilo) and significant lakes (e.g., Laguna, Lanao, Taal).
- The climate is tropical with a dry season (Nov-May) and wet season (Jun-Oct), prone to extreme weather.
Theories of Origin
- Continental Drift Theory: Philippines drifted from Pangaea, like other continents.
- Land Bridge Theory: Islands were once connected to mainland Asia by land bridges; contested due to lack of evidence.
- Faulting and Folding/Diastrophism Theory: Philippine islands formed from shifting Earth’s crust.
- Volcanic Origin Theory: Islands created by volcanic activity.
- Lost Continent (Mu): Mythical landmass now submerged, with the Philippines as a remnant.
Mythological Origins
- Myths often attribute creation to divine actions, quarrels among gods, or giants, reflecting early exceptionalism.
- Story motifs include gods battling or giants scattering islands, and Atlas-like figures forming the islands.
Biodiversity and Natural Resources
- Home to 10,000 plant species, 900 orchid species, and several unique animals (e.g., Tarsier, Tamaraw, Pilandok).
- Rich in minerals: gold, iron, copper, silver, among others.
- Notable natural wonders: Ifugao Rice Terraces, Hundred Islands, Chocolate Hills, Underground River.
Impact of Geography on History and Society
- Maritime culture and diverse livelihoods (fishing, farming, hunting) are shaped by dispersed islands and resources.
- Geography contributes to ethnic and cultural diversity but also regionalism, complicating national unity.
- Extensive coastline made defense difficult during invasions (e.g., WWII).
- Geography caused uneven development and ease of colonization due to divided regions.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Archipelago — a group or chain of islands.
- Ring of Fire — area in the Pacific known for frequent earthquakes and volcanoes.
- Diastrophism — the process of deformation of the Earth's crust, producing continents and ocean basins.
- Regionalism — identification with a specific geographic region rather than the nation as a whole.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the scientific theories and mythological accounts of Philippine origins.
- Reflect on how geography has influenced Philippine culture and history.
- Prepare for further discussions on how these geographic realities affect present-day society.