Philippine Geography and National Symbols (HTM111 Modules 1-5) - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Pages 1–5 of HTM111 notes on Philippine geography, national symbols, and related topics.

Geography

The science that studies the Earth's surfaces and the relationships between people and their environment.

Etymology of Geography

Derived from the Greek word geographia, meaning earth description.

Core Focus of Geography

The study of the surface of the Earth and its relation to human activities.

Physical Geography

The study of natural features such as landforms, vegetation, climate, and bodies of water.

Human Geography

The study of how people interact with the Earth, including culture, migration, and population patterns.

Philippines Location

Located in Southeast Asia.

Capital of the Philippines

City of Manila.

Archipelago Size (islands)

7,641 islands (as cited in notes) with total land area around 300,000 km².

Eastern Waters of the Philippines

Philippine Sea.

Western Waters of the Philippines

West Philippine Sea.

Southern Waters of the Philippines

Celebes Sea.

Three Island Groups

Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao.

Luzon

Largest island; the most northerly among the three main islands; 17th largest in the world.

Visayas

Smallest of the three island groups; located between Luzon and Mindanao; main islands are Samar, Panay, Negros, Cebu, Leyte.

Mindanao

Second largest island; dubbed “The Land of Promise”; main island with outlying islands such as Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

LGUs (Local Government Units)

A hierarchical political division: provinces, cities/municipalities, barangays.

Barangay

The smallest local government unit.

Administrative Divisions

18 regions and 82 provinces (as noted in the source).

National Flag

Silk flag with a white left triangle, sun with eight rays, three stars, and blue (top) and red (bottom) stripes; symbolism included.

National Anthem

Lupang Hinirang; composer Julian Felipe; first public performance on June 12, 1898; lyrics from Filipinas by José Palma.

National Flower

Sampaguita (Arabian Jasmine); white symbolizes purity, simplicity, humility, strength.

National Tree

Narra (Rosewood); declared officially in 1934; cutting protected by DENR Central Office.

National Bird

Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi); officially declared in 1978.

National Gem

Philippine Pearl (Pinctada Maxima); declared in 1996; linked to the discovery of a world’s largest pearl by a Filipino diver.

National Sport

Arnis (Kali, Eskrima); declared national symbol in 2009 by Republic Act 9850.

National Hero

Dr. Jose Rizal; widely recognized though debate exists on the sole National Hero.

National Leaf

Anahaw (Round-leaf fountain palm); commonly used for roofing and decoration.

National Fruit

Mango.

National Animal

Carabao (Philippine water buffalo).

National House

Bahay Kubo (Nipa hut); a traditional Filipino home.

National Fish

Bangus (Milkfish).

Debated Symbols (Dance and Dish)

National Dance: Tinikling vs Cariñosa; National Dish: sinigang vs adobo.

Oldest Province (Philippines)

Aklan.

Oldest City (Philippines)

Cebu City.

Largest City (Philippines)

Davao City.

Largest Province

Palawan (referred to as the Philippines’ Last Frontier in notes).

Culinary Capital

Pampanga.

Seafood Capital

Roxas City.

Summer Capital

Baguio City (City of Pines).

Makati

Known as the Manhattan of the Philippines.

Marikina

Shoe Capital of the Philippines.

Zamboanga City

Asia’s Latin City; Sardines Capital; City of Flowers.

Legazpi

City of Fun and Adventure; ATV capital.

El Nido

Heaven on Earth.

Puerto Princesa

EcoTourism Capital.

Philippine Archipelago Count

7,641 islands.

Visayas Island Group Size

Visayas is the smallest island group among the three.

Climates

Notes mention two climates.

English-Speaking Rank

5th largest English-speaking country in the world.