Republic of the Philippines

COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Higher Education Regional Office VI (HERO VI)
City Government of Bago
BAGO CITY COLLEGE
Rafael Salas Drive, Brgy. Balingasag, Bago City, Negros Occidental 6101
Tel: [034] 4611-363 | Fax: [034] 4610-546 | E-mail: [email protected]

COURSE GUIDE 1st Cycle

MODULE IN SS7- PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY (GEOGRAPHY 2)

2ND YEAR BSED – SOCIAL STUDIES

Module 2: THE PHILIPPINES, ITS GEOGRAPHY, PHYSICAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Intended Learning Outcomes: At the end of this module, the student must have:
1. Described the size and shape of the Philippines and its location on the world map through picture analysis.
2. Explained the meaning of climate and weather using picture analysis.
3. Discussed the contexts about Philippines, its geography, physical and natural resources using the guided questions.
4. Composed a jingle song that explains the significance of natural resources to human life.
A. Introduction
The Philippines is an archipelago that comprises 7,641 islands with a total land area of 300,000 square kilometers (115,831 sq mi). It is the world's
5th largest island country. The eleven largest islands contain 95% of the total land area. The largest of these islands is Luzon at about 105,000 square
kilometers (40,541 sq mi). The next largest island is Mindanao at about 95,000 square kilometres (36,680 sq mi). The archipelago is around 800 kilometers
(500 mi) from the Asian mainland and is located between Taiwan and Borneo.
Being surrounded by the ocean, it is no surprise that the Philippines relies on the waters as an important natural resource. There are more than
640,000 square miles of territorial waters in the Philippines and within these waters; there is an abundance of marine life and materials that are valuable to
the nation's people and those across the world. At least 65 species of the 2,400 available species in Filipino waters have solid commercial value, and the
crabs, seaweed, pearls and other ocean treasures make the sea among the top resources for this archipelago.
The volcanic history of the archipelago combined with the wide plains available throughout the nation make the Philippines a prime spot for growing
crops for domestic use and export. The Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley and Negros are among the many places with fertile soil in the Philippines. This land is
the nation's primary source of livelihood. The chief crops of the nation include rice, corn, sugarcane, abaca and tobacco, according to the Philippine History
website. The rice and corn are used domestically, but the rest is used as a major export. The Philippines also exports a number of pineapples and bananas.
The tropical climate in the Philippines makes it an ideal location for flowers and plants. The islands have more than 2 million species of plants, and several
 of them are found nowhere else on the planet. Much of the flora in the Philippines, while diminished by over harvesting, is used as an important natural
resource as ingredients in commercially exported products.
B. Activity
A. Let’s Define and Find it!
Instruction: Using this picture, describe the distinct location, size and shape of the Philippines in the world map.

Using the blank world map describe LOCATION of the Philippines

The Philippines comprises an

archipelago of some 7,107
islands located off Southeast
Asia, on the eastern rim of the
Asiatic Mediterranean between
the South China Sea on the
west and the Philippine Sea on

Using the blank world map describe the SIZE of the Philippines
The Philippines has a total land
area of 300,000 square
kilometers (115,831 sq mi) and
67% of which is contained
within the two largest islands:
Luzon, 108,171 sq km (41,765
sq mi) and Mindanao, 99,078 sq

Using the blank world map describe the SHAPE of Philippines

The shape of a country is

another geographical element
https://images.app.goo.gl/ewhnebZwdxvEAbTH7 that has a bearing on its
economic, social, and political
development. Compactness and
elongation represent the two
extremes in shape. The more
B. What’s your Climate and Weather!
 Instructions: Using the picture below explain the meaning of climate and weather. Supply the necessary information in the given table.

Weather Climate

____________________________ _______________________________
Analysis ____________________________ _______________________________
Deepen your understanding on the following questions: Answer____________________________
it _______________________________
comprehensively. ____________________________ _______________________________
____________________________ _______________________________
1. How is Philippines as a country in terms of its actual place and natural setting on
____________________________ _______________________________
the world map?
____________________________ _______________________________
____________________________ _______________________________
____________________________ _______________________________
____________________________ _______________________________
____________________________ _______________________________
____________________________ _______________________________
____________________________ _______________________________
____________________________ _______________________________
____________________________ _______________________________
____________________________ _______________________________
____________________________ _______________________________
____________________________ _______________________________
____________________________ _______________________________
____________________________ _______________________________
https://images.app.goo.gl/GSb1cYE62UredeLa8
The Philippines is an archipelago that is bounded by the Philippine Sea to the east, the Celebes Sea to the south, the Sulu Sea to the southwest, and the
South China Sea to the west and north and it is located in southeastern Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. The archipelago stretches about 1,150 miles
(1,850 km) from north to south, and its widest east-west extent, at its southern base, is some 700 miles (1,130 km). The Philippines is one of nearly 200
countries and it consists of a combination of political and physical features. Its islands are classified into three main geographical areas - Luzon, Visayas,
and Mindanao and because of its archipelagic nature, the Philippines is a culturally diverse country with its topography consisting of mountainous terrains,
dense forests, plains, and coastal areas, the Philippines is rich in biodiversity. The Philippines is known for having an abundance of beautiful beaches,
delicious fruits, and amazing people.

Rubric 4 3 2 1

Organization of Ideas

Content

2. How significant the geographical size of the Philippines in its level of cultural and economic development?
The significance of the Philippines due to its geographical size covered by various resources and landscapes brings a lot of impact to our economic status
due to multiple and wider tourist destinations and attractions as well as it builds a diverse culture in each island that may differ from one another in
which it has a lot of natural resources found in every individual area that helps the economic growth of the Philippines. The Philippines becomes the
center for the distribution of different kinds of goods and a trading post for the rest of the Southeast Asian countries this is because the sea area of the
country is the main route of marine vessels as well as an international route for commercial airplanes. The Philippines is also a largely agricultural
country and its economy is based on free enterprise; individuals and nongovernmental entities are free to participate in its development and
management, sometimes with the aid of government credit.

Rubric 4 3 2 1

Organization of Ideas

Content

3. In what way that geographical shape of the Philippines has a bearing on its economic, social and political development?
The geographical shape of the Philippines bears on its economic, social, and political in a way that most people find our country quite attractive, and
the scenery that surrounds our archipelago is one of the main reasons that captivates them to travel in which it is a great help to build our economy
to develop in a better and stable position. In terms of social and political development, the Philippine population is bound together by common
values and a common religion. Philippine society is characterized by many positive traits and among these are strong religious faith, respect for
authority, high regard for self-esteem, and a smooth interpersonal relationship to one another. The Philippines is not a big country but even it is not
a huge country still its political status is developing due to the contribution of multiple responsible leaders being involved and due to the connection
on its shape, the political development of the Philippines can able to handle its constituents but it also depends on the leaders itself. But somehow,
 national political unity has been instilled in all fellowmen and most the people with authority as well as the public masses are still doing their all-out
participation to make the political growth of the country be boosted and systematic in which it can attract many people to come for the reason that
our country is safe and well-organized.

4. How weather and climate shaped the geopolitical settings of Philippines?

The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate, meaning the weather is generally hot and quite humid. The region really only experiences three seasons,
a hot dry summer between March and May known as tag-init, a wet season between June and November known as tag-ulan, and a cooler dry season
between December and February known as tag-lamig. The Philippines weather patterns are created by the prevailing winds of the southwest monsoon
(known as the habagat) from May to October and the northeast monsoon (known as the amihan) from November to early May. Weather and Climate
factors have a crucial role in humans and the environment as well as to the potential to disrupt crop productivity, and in turn affect domestic agricultural
production, consumption, and food security. Sustaining agricultural production growth to help achieve inclusive growth and poverty reduction is a key
goal for the Philippine government. Other natural factors, like regional wind patterns or currents, can also increase the risk of tropical storms that will
lead to climate threats on humans, production, and environment. Developmental factors have made it difficult for the Philippines to prepare and respond
to disasters. Evacuation plans, early-warning systems, and shelters are critical to dealing with extreme weather events. Warning and relocating
thousands or millions of citizens when a storm is approaching would be a massive hurdle for any country – and in the case of a developing nation like
the Philippines with nearly 100 million citizens spread out across thousands of islands, the hurdle becomes bigger still. The impact of climate change in
the Philippines is immense, including annual losses in GDP, changes in rainfall patterns and distribution, droughts, threats to biodiversity and food
security, sea-level rise, public health risks, and endangerment of vulnerable groups such as women and indigenous people. Educating citizens both in
the Philippines and around the world about what the nation is facing, and about the practical clean-energy solutions available that can begin to address
the harmful effects of climate change in the Philippines and beyond.

Rubric 4 3 2 1

Organization of Ideas

Content

C. Abstraction

Geography and Climate of the Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago comprised of 7,641 islands in the South China, Philippine, Sulu, and Celebes Seas, along with the Luzon Strait. The
topography of the islands is mostly mountainous with narrow to large coastal lowlands, depending on the island. The Philippines is divided into three main
geographic areas: the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The climate of the Philippines is tropical marine with a northeast monsoon from November to April
and a southwest monsoon from May to October.
 The Philippines, like many other tropical island nations, has problems with deforestation and soil and water pollution. The Philippines' problems with air
pollution are especially bad because of large populations in its urban centers.
The Philippines has five types of climates: tropical rainforest, tropical monsoon, tropical savanna, humid subtropical and oceanic (both are in
higheraltitude areas) characterized by relatively high temperature, oppressive humidity and plenty of rainfall. There are two seasons in the country, the wet
season and the dry season, based upon the amount of rainfall. This is also dependent on location in the country as some areas experience rain all
throughout the year. The Climate of the Philippines is tropical and maritime. It is characterized by relatively high temperature, high humidity and abundant
rainfall. It is similar in many respects to the climate of the countries of Central America. Temperature, humidity, and rainfall, which are discussed
hereunder, are the most important elements of the country's weather and climate.
The Philippines is rich in natural resources. Its fertile land produces a variety of crops such as coconut, copra, banana, pineapples, sugar, gum, resins
and rubber. Some of these agricultural crops are raised for export. Rice, which is the staple food of Filipinos, is produced, largely, in the Central Plains of
Luzon. Rice production often falls short of consumption requirement, and quite ironically, the Philippines is a rice importer. Plant and animal life is extremely
diverse, and many plants and animals are endemic to the Philippines, which means they can be found only in this country. Source of Livelihood
Most people’s main source of livelihood is farming. About 70% of people rely directly on agriculture as a livelihood. The result of the nondevelopment
of non-agricultural activities to absorb the fast-growing population is this high percentage in agriculture. Furthermore, many people are not engaged in
agriculture in developed countries.

Importance of Agricultural Resources

1) Contribution to National revenue
Agriculture is the main source of national income for most developing countries. However, for developed countries, agriculture contributes a
smaller percentage to their national income.
2) Supply of Food as well as Fodder
The agricultural sector provides fodder for domestic animals. The cow provides people with milk which is a form of protective food. Moreover,
livestock also meets people’s food requirements.
3) Significance to the International Trade
Agricultural products like sugar, tea, rice, spices, tobacco, coffee, etc. constitute the major items of exports of countries that rely on
agriculture. If there is a smooth development practice of agriculture, imports are reduced while export increases considerably. This helps to
reduce countries’ unfavourable balance of payments as well as saving foreign exchange. This amount may be well used to import other
essential inputs, machinery, raw material, and other infrastructure that is helpful for the support of the country’s economic development.
4) Marketable Surplus
The growth of the agricultural sector contributes to a marketable surplus. Many people engage in manufacturing, mining, as well as another
non-agricultural sector as the nation develops. All these individuals rely on food production that they might meet from the nation’s marketable
 surplus. As agricultural sector development takes place, production increases and this leads to the expansion of marketable surplus. This may
be exported to other nations.
5) Source of Raw Material
The main source of raw materials to major industries such as cotton and jute fabric, sugar, tobacco, edible as well as non-edible oils is
agriculture. Moreover, many other industries such as the processing of fruits as well as vegetables and rice husking get their raw material
mainly from agriculture.
6) Significance in Transport
The bulk of agricultural products are transported by railways and roadways from farms to factories. Mostly, internal trade is in agricultural
products. Moreover, the revenue of the government, to a larger extent, relies on the success of the agricultural sector.
7) Foreign Exchange Resources
The nation’s export trade depends largely on the agricultural sector. For example, agricultural commodities such as jute, tobacco, spices,
oilseeds, raw cotton, tea as well as coffee accounts for approximately 18% of the entire value of exports of a country. This demonstrates that
agricultural products also continue to be an important source of earning for a country’s foreign exchange.
8) Great Employment Opportunities
Construction of irrigation schemes, drainage system as well as other such activities in the agricultural sector is important as it provides larger
employment opportunities. The agriculture sector provides more employment opportunities for the labor force. This, in turn, reduces the high
rate of unemployment in developing countries caused by the fast-growing population.
9) Economic Development
Since agriculture employs many people, it contributes to economic development. As a result, the national income level, as well as people’s
standard of living, is improved. The fast rate of development in the agriculture sector offers progressive outlook as well as increased
motivation for development. Hence, it aids to create a good atmosphere for the overall economic development of a country. Therefore,
economic development relies on the agricultural growth rate.
10) Source of Saving
Development in agriculture may also increase savings. The rich farmers we see today started saving particularly after the green revolution.
This surplus quantity may be invested further in the agriculture sector to develop the sector.
11) Food Security
A stable agricultural sector ensures a nation of food security. The main requirement of any country is food security. Food security prevents
malnourishment that has traditionally been believed to be one of the major problems faced by developing countries. Most countries rely on
agricultural products as well as associated industries for their main source of income.

D. Application
Instruction: Compose a jingle song that explain the significance of natural resources to human life (Land, Water, Forest, Mineral and other
Resources) present this through a video presentation. This is graded base on the given rubrics.

20 Points 15 points 10 Points 5 Points

 Theme Jingle stays on topic throughout. Jingle stays on topic. Topic is Jingle stays on topic some of the Jingle doesn't stay on topic.
Topic is positive and appropriate positive and appropriate for time. Topic is occasionally Topic is not shown in a positive
for school advertising. Clever school advertising. Competent positive and appropriate for way or is not always appropriate.
lyrics. lyrics to advertise topic. school advertising. Fine lyrics Group has difficulty and needs
written with some teacher much support to write lyrics.
support.

Melody Melody is simple and very Melody is simple and "catchy". Melody is fair, but not "catchy". Melody requires much
"catchy". Rhythm and melody Rhythm and melody range Could be improved rhythmically improvement, is not appealing, or
range appropriate and appealing. appropriate and appealing. or melodically. Lacks originality. is "stolen" from another source.
Is original. Demonstrates some originality.
E. Evaluation

Instruction: List down at least five (5) famous landmarks that can be found in Philippine island and classify into physical or natural resources. Use the table
below as your guide.
 AREAS PHYSICAL RESOURCES NATURAL RESOURCES
LUZON

1. Kawit, Cavite Aguinaldo Shrine is a house and now a museum in

Prepared by: which it belongs to physical resources because its
EDUARDO D. original structure is made of nipa-and-thatch
QUIDTA JR., material and later it was reconstructed using a
M.A.Ed, M.Ed variety of Philippine hardwood.
Part Time
Instructor 2. Ermita, Manila Rizal Park

3. Legazpi City, Albay Mt. Mayon

4. Vigan City, Ilocos Sur Calle Crisologo

5. Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao Banaue Rice Terraces

VISAYAS

1. Carmen, Bohol Chocolate Hills

2. P. Burgos St, Cebu Magellan's Cross

3. Panay island, Iloilo Bucari Area

4. Osmeña Blvd, Cebu Basilica Del Santo Nino

5. Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu The Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary

MINDANAO

1. Puerto Princesa, Palawan Puerto Princesa’s Subterranean River

2. Sulu, Palawan Tubbataha Reefs

3. Isabela, Basilan The Chapel of Peace, Calvario Peak

4. Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur Hinatuan Enchanted River

2. Coron, Palawan Coral Garden