5.3 Philippine & World Geography, Basic Economics & Cultural Facts

Philippine & World Geography, Basic Economics & Cultural Facts

General Knowledge exams like the ACET test candidates on spatial geography, global political maps, economic terms, and cultural heritage. Mastering geographic data tables, economic definitions, and national heritage facts ensures fast, accurate answers.

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1. Philippine Geography

The Philippines is a tropical archipelago located in Southeast Asia, bounded by the Philippine Sea to the east, the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) to the west, and the Celebes Sea to the south. The official island count stands at 7,641 islands.

Three Major Island Groups & 17 Administrative Regions

• Luzon: Largest and most populous island group. Contains NCR (National Capital Region / Metro Manila), CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region), Region I (Ilocos), Region II (Cagayan Valley), Region III (Central Luzon), Region IV-A (CALABARZON), Region IV-B (MIMAROPA), and Region V (Bicol).
• Visayas: Central island cluster comprising Region VI (Western Visayas), Region VII (Central Visayas), and Region VIII (Eastern Visayas).
• Mindanao: Second-largest island group. Comprises Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula), Region X (Northern Mindanao), Region XI (Davao Region), Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN), Region XIII (Caraga), and BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao).

Key Geographical Physical Features

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2. World Geography & Strategic Waterways

Global Physical Geography

• 7 Continents: Asia (largest & most populous), Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Australia/Oceania (smallest).
• 5 Oceans: Pacific (largest and deepest, contains Mariana Trench at 10,994m), Atlantic, Indian, Southern (Antarctic), Arctic (smallest and shallowest).
• Major Mountain Ranges: Himalayas (Asia, home to Mt. Everest at 8,848.86m), Andes (South America, longest continental range), Rockies (North America), Alps (Europe).

Strategic Maritime Canals & Chokepoints

1. Suez Canal (Egypt): Artificial sea-level waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, eliminating the need to sail around Africa.
2. Panama Canal (Panama): Conduit connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, featuring a system of lock gates.
3. Strait of Malacca: Narrow stretch of water between the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, connecting the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea; one of the world's most vital oil transit chokepoints.

Capital Cities Frequently Tested

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3. Fundamental Economic Concepts

Microeconomics: Demand, Supply & Market Equilibrium

• Law of Demand: Ceteris paribus, as the price of a good increases, the quantity demanded decreases (inverse relationship).
• Law of Supply: Ceteris paribus, as the price of a good increases, the quantity supplied increases (direct relationship).
• Market Equilibrium: Point of intersection where Quantity Demanded ($Q_d$) equals Quantity Supplied ($Q_s$).

Macroeconomics: National Output & Indicators

• Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country's geographic borders during a specific time period.
• Gross National Income (GNI) / GNP: Total income earned by a country's residents and businesses, regardless of whether the economic activity occurs domestically or abroad. GNI equals GDP plus net primary income from abroad (such as Overseas Filipino Worker / OFW remittances).
• Inflation: Persistent, general rise in the average price level of goods and services over time, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• Monetary Policy: Conducted by the central bank (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas / BSP) to control money supply and interest rates. Fiscal Policy: Managed by the government (Department of Finance / Congress) through taxation and public spending.

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4. Philippine Cultural Heritage & National Symbols

Official National Symbols (Republic Act 8491 - Flag & Heraldic Code)

• National Anthem: Lupang Hinirang (Music by Julián Felipe, lyrics translated from José Palma's Spanish poem Filipinas).
• National Flower: Sampaguita (Jasminum sambac).
• National Tree: Narra (Pterocarpus indicus).
• National Bird: Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi).
• National Gem: South Sea Pearl.
• National Sport: Arnis (enacted under Republic Act 9850 in 2009).

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines

1. Baroque Churches of the Philippines: San Agustin (Manila), Paoay Church (Ilocos Norte), Santa Maria Church (Ilocos Sur), Miagao Church (Iloilo).
2. Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras: Hand-carved 2,000-year-old terraces built by Ifugao ancestors.
3. Historic City of Vigan: Best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial trading town in Asia.
4. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park: Pristine coral reef sanctuary in the Sulu Sea.
5. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park: Underground river system in Palawan.
6. Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary: Mountain ridge sanctuary in Davao Oriental known for endemic flora and fauna.