Philippine Population

Objectives:
 To describe the richness and composition of varieties of ecosystem in the
country;
 To appreciate agriculture and fisheries as a primary source of livelihood;
and
 To give the distinctive characteristics of the flora and fauna.

The Philippines is represented by a variety of ecosystems: forests, ponds,

grasslands, valleys, plains, rivers, and seas. Forests on mountain slopes,
characterized by a diversity of natural vegetation, provide materials for food,
medicine, and building shelter and natural habitats for wildlife. Some mountains
have been regarded as sites for spiritual regeneration.

The Philippines, Pearl of the Orient Seas, is very rich in natural resources.
Filipinos are by nature creative and intelligent. The richness of the environment is
an advantage for their livelihood.

Around 15 million hectares, or almost half of the Philippines' total land

area, are classified as timberland. Most of the land here was densely forested
before the 1900s. However, the following century saw the loss of half of
Philippine forests. Statistics show that deforestation claimed 204,000 hectares
per year from 1950 to 1978. From 1989 to 1995, only 116,332 hectares were
vanishing annually. Environmentalist groups are trying to protect Philippine
forests, but a lot needs to be done in the campaign for reforestation as well as
the fight against illegal logging.

Philippine forests produce timber for local consumption and for export.
Hardwood products coming from these timbers are globally known for their
distinct appearance and high quality, which makes them appropriate as home
furnishings. Wooden furniture, such as tables and chairs, are usually made of
hardwood, popularly known as narra.

Most Philippine forests are of the tropical rainforest type. Besides extensive
reserves of tropical evergreen hardwoods, the country also has considerable

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areas of pine in the mountainous regions of Northern Luzon.

Flora & Fauna

The Philippines is rich in flora and fauna. There is an estimated two million
species of plants and animals, many of which are unique to the islands. For
various reasons, some kinds have been lost or endangered while others were
exploited for commercial purposes. By the turn of the century, many species of
plants and animals decreased dramatically in number but some survived through
a natural process.

There is so much that the Philippines can offer to the nature lover. Its
tropical rainforests are among the most species-rich ecosystems on earth. In
fact, substantial parts of the archipelago both land and underwater, remain
unexplored. There are also many virgin forests. The country is known for its
dwarf and pygmy species of many ecological families. Unfortunately, a lot of
these natural resources are being destroyed at an alarming rate. Logging and
mining, illegal fishing (the use of dynamites), and the growing population have a
negative effect on ecology because of increasing demand for diminishing food
and livelihood sources.

Plant Life

Due to its volcanic nature, Philippine soil is very fertile. Abundant rain and
sunshine, as well as the wide range of habitats and elevations account for an
incredible variety of plant life in every category, from mosses and lichens
(including 1,000 species of fern) to giant trees (about 3,000 species). Since
neighboring Indonesia and Malaysia have a similar climate, plants found here are
mainly of the type found in those countries. However, Australian (e.g.,
eucalyptus) and Sino-Himalayan types are also present in the Philippines. About
60% of the 10,000 plant species grow only in the archipelago. There are 54
species of bamboo throughout the islands. Bamboo is a fast-growing woody
grass used for multiple purposes, mainly as furniture. It can also be used to build
houses, bridges, fences, fish traps, wall matting, baskets, hats, and flutes.

Mangroves are found at sea level, bays and estuaries. They form a fringe
or what seems like a fence along the sides of these bodies of water, palms,
commonly used in the construction of native hats, also thrive in salty water.
Coconut palms are generally found below 30 meters while at 300-1,000 meters,
dense tropical rainforest contains vines, ferns, orchids, and huge trees with
buttressed trunks. The dipterocarp - hardwoods, known collectively as Philippine
mahogany, can supply many natural resource needs. Mahogany seed as an herb
is known to have healing properties.

Narra, the national tree of the Philippines, produces a pretty yellow flower

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and is the source of hardwood for many uses. The nipa palm, however, must be
the unofficial national tree. The traditional nipa hut comes from the nipa palm,
with the leaves serving as roof. Many homes in the countryside’s and in farms
are made of nipa. Today, the nipa hut can even be found in resorts all over the
country where it functions as a residential and recreational place.

The national flower is sampaguita, which is white and has a distinct

fragrance. But the orchid also has a claim to fame, with almost 1,000 stunning
species, including the waling-waling of Mindanao.

One crop unique to the Philippine is the pili nut, although crop species
such as tobacco and corn have already been introduced. The delightful nut may
be used in the production of chocolate, ice cream, candies, and even soap. It is
harvested from May to October, around Sorsogon and other provinces in the
Bicol region. In Mindanao, abaca is harvested in huge quantities. Called the
Manila hemp, it is mainly used to make ropes. This island is also famous for its
durian, a fruit with a terrible smell but a heavenly taste. In the little island of
Guimaras, near Panay, the rich red soil has produced some of the sweetest
mangoes in the world.

Fauna

Birds

The best-known Philippine member of the bird family is the haribon or

Philippine eagle, formerly called the "monkey-eating eagle" (because it eats
monkeys). This is an endangered species; only about 100 are left in their natural
habitat of Mindanao. Farther south, the hornbill of Sulu, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi is
another amazing and elusive mountain-dwelling bird. The Palawan peacock
pheasant is also a remarkable bird. A large game bird with brilliant feathers in the
male and long pointed tail feathers, it nests on the ground and flies only short
distances. The males of this species have a metallic blue crest, long white
eyebrows and large metallic blue or purple "eyes" on the tail. Pheasants are
native to Asia but are now established in many parts of America and Europe.
Unfortunately, they are also nearing endangered levels.

Reptiles

Of the reptile family, South-East Asia travelers will be most familiar with
the gravity-defying, mosquito-chomping gecko (anyone of a group of small
insect-eating lizards often having adhesive pads on the feet for climbing) and its
raspy "tap tap tap7' mating call. More elusive scaled beasts include the sail-fin
dragon and the flying lizard discovered by Jose Rizal while he was exiled in
Dapitan on Mindanao, as well as a wide variety of poisonous and non-poisonous
snakes, including pythons and sea snakes.

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 The country is said to be home to the sea cow or dugong (also known locally
as duyong), once found in great numbers in Philippine waters but now rare.
You're more likely to spot dolphins, whales and, if your timing is right, butanding
(whale sharks) near Sorsogon in South Luzon. The tourism industry in that
province hopes that these plankton-feeding gentle giants will continue their habit
of surfacing from around November to May each year.

Insects

There are about 25,000 species of insects found in the Philippines. Among
these are butterflies that come in a wide array of colors. Some are sought-after
by collectors while others are merely for spectacle. Palawan, Mindanao and Sulu
are prime butterfly territories with an estimated 800 species. A prominent
butterfly, Papilio trojano, is the largest of its kinJ with an average wingspan of 18
centimeters. This black and green butterfly can only be found in Palawan.

Moths, winged insects very much like butterflies, but lacking knol at the
ends of the antennae, having less brightly colored wings, and flyii mostly at night,
also abound. The huge atlas moth has pale brown wings (with black and gray
markings) that extend 24 centimeters wide. This insect is commonly found
around the months of February to June all over the islands.

Mammals

The most popular beast of burden in the Philippines is the carabao, a

native water buffalo highly prized for its vast power and patience as a plough-
puller.

Land

The Philippines’ primary source of livelihood is its fertile land. Rich, wide
plains suitable for farming are found in the Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, South
western Bicol, Panay, Negros, Davao, Cotabato, Agusan and Bukidnon. The
country‘s six major crops are rice, corn, sugarcane, coconut, abaca and tobacco.
Except for rice and corn, all these products are exported, along with bananas and
pineapples.

Area

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 o Land: 298,170 km2

Land use

 Arable land: 19%

 Permanent crops: 16.67%
 Other: 64.33% (2005)

Forests

The Philippines also boasts of wide tracts of lush, green forests. In fact, almost half of the
country’s total land area is forested. Sixty percent of these forests are found in Mindanao.
 

The Philippines' rainforests and its extensive coastlines make it home to a

diverse range of birds, plants, animals, and sea creatures. It is one of the ten
most biologically mega-diverse countries and is at or near the top in terms of
biodiversity per unit area. Around 1,100 land vertebrate species can be found in
the Philippines including over 100 mammal species and 170 bird species not
thought to exist elsewhere. Endemic species include the tamaraw of Mindoro, the
Visayan spotted deer, the Philippine mouse deer, the Visayan warty pig, the
Philippine flying lemur, and several species of bats.

Forests on mountain slopes, characterized by a diversity of natural

vegetation , provide materials for food, medicine, and building shelter and
natural habitats for wildlife. Some mountains have been regarded as sites for
spiritual regeneration. In the Tagalog region, some people find Mounts Makiling
and Banahaw as mystic mountains for reflection and recreation. According to
legend, Mount Makiling in Laguna is the abode of a goddess named Mariang
Makiling who protects the forest that covers the mountain. Mount Banahaw along
the Qeuzon border is also considered a powerful energy source for pilgrims,

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spiritualists, and cults having a blend of both indigenous and Catholic beliefs and
rituals.

The Philippines lacks large predators, with the exception of snakes, such
as pythons and cobras, and birds of prey, such as the national bird, known as the
Philippine eagle. Other native animals include the palm civet cat, the dugong,
and the Philippine tarsier associated with Bohol. With an estimated 13,500 plant
species in the country, 3,200 of which are unique to the islands, Philippine
rainforests boast an array of flora, including many rare types of orchids and
rafflesia. The narra is considered as the most important type of hardwood.

The Philippine Eagle is a bird of prey found in

the rainforests of the islands.

Deforestation, often the result of illegal logging, is an acute problem in the

Philippines. Forest cover declined from 70% of the country's total land area in
1900 to about 18.3% in 1999. Many species are endangered and scientists say
that Southeast Asia, which the Philippines is part of, faces a catastrophic
extinction rate of 20% by the end of the century. According to Conservation
International, "the country is one of the few nations that is, in its entirety, both a
hotspot and a mega diversity country, placing it among the top priority hotspots
for global conservation."

Mineral Resources
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 Gold as one of the mineral resource in the Philippines

Minerals are natural substances, usually comprising “inorganic element or

compound, having an orderly internal structure and characteristics, chemical
composition, crystal form, and physical properties” (NAMRIA-DENR, 1991). Any
concentration of these minerals, with a potential economic value that can be
extracted at a profit, is considered a mineral resource. Despite its small area, the
Philippines is one of the world's richly endowed countries in terms of mineral
resources. In 1994, the estimated levels of metallic and nonmetallic mineral
reserves stood at 7 billion metric tons and 50 billion metric tons, respectively.
Copper accounted for the bulk of metallic mineral resources of about 72 percent;
while nickel’s share was estimated at 16 percent (Figure 1). Among the
nonmetallic minerals, limestone and marble accounted for about 39 and 29
percent, respectively (Figure 2). In terms of chromite resources, the Philippines is
also one of the most endowed countries. In fact, the country's refractory chromite
resource in Zambales is considered as one of the largest in the world.

Minerals are natural substances -- usually comprising "inorganic element

or compound, having an orderly internal structure and characteristics, chemical
composition, crystal form, and physical properties" (NAMRIA-DENR, 1991). Any
concentration of these minerals, with a potential economic value that can be
extracted at a profit, is considered a mineral resource. Despite its small area, the
Philippines is one of the world's richly endowed countries in terms of mineral
resources. In 1994, the estimated levels of metallic and non-metallic mineral
reserves stood at 7 billion metric tons and 50 billion metric tons, respectively.
Copper accounted for the bulk of metallic mineral resources of about 72 percent;
while nickel’s share was estimated at 16 percent (Figure 1). Among the non-
metallic minerals, limestone and marble accounted for about 39 and 29 percent,
respectively (Figure 2). In terms of chromite resources, the Philippines is also
one of the most endowed countries. In fact, the country's refractory chromite
resource in Zambales is considered as one of the largest in the world.

The mining industry plays a very important role in the country’s economic
development. For one, the industry provides employment opportunities to a
significant portion of the population, directly and indirectly. The launching of a
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mining project spurs local and regional economic development as mining firms
invest in road infrastructure, utilities, and other facilities within the mine site.
Mining, likewise, contributes to the country's foreign-exchange earnings through
exports. Furthermore, the industry provides additional revenues for the
government through taxes and fees paid on mining and other related activities.
The mining activities involve operations that have significant impact on the
environment. In most facets of the mining activities, there is always the potential
for environmental and ecological problems -- from the construction of mining
facilities, the extraction of ore, to the processing of minerals.

Mineral resources are non-renewable. Once extracted, the ore is gone

and will take a very long time to replenish. Mining activity, therefore, is faced with
the sustainability issue. Serious implications may arise if this issue is not properly
addressed. While the construction of the asset account for the other natural
resources is undoubtedly important, it is more crucial for the minerals because of
the exhaustibility of these resources.

Gold

A gold reserve at the beginning of 1988 was estimated at 101.6 million

metric tons (MT), equivalent to about 240 MT of gold metal. Between 1988 and
1994, a total of 27.7 million MT of gold ore, containing about 36 MT of metal was
extracted. On the average, this is equivalent to an annual extraction of 3.9 million
MT of gold ore.

Extraction of Gold Reserves in Ore Form

1988-1994
(in Million Metric Tons)

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 However, actual annual data show that the level of ore extraction dropped
by a hefty 42.9 percent in 1990 and 25.7 percent in 1993 (Figure 1). The slight
increase in the world metal price of gold in 1990 failed to raise the country’s
production. During this year, three major gold mines temporarily ceased
operation, evidence of the then problems which besieged the domestic mining
industry.

Copper

The reported stock of copper in ore form increased from 4,106 million MT
in 1988 to 4,597 million MT in 1994 (Figure 2). However, copper reserves
suffered a setback in 1990, when it declined by 7.2 percent from the previous
year’s level before resuming its increasing trend.

From 1988 to 1994, the extraction of copper ore registered a decreasing

trend, with an annual average decline of 12.1 percent. The same trend was
exhibited by the metal content which declined from 277,746 MT in 1988 to
130,910 MT in 1994. Copper mining companies slowed down in their production
as lower prices of copper metal in the world market discouraged further
expansion of activities.

Other factors which contributed to the low extraction for the years
concerned included power shortages, closure of the Marcopper Mining
Corporation in the second half of 1991, the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, and the
unusual heavy rainfall. During the seven-year period, a total of 346 million MT of
ore was extracted, with a metal content of 1.3 million MT.

Chromite

From 1988 to 1990 -- on the average -- most of the chromite-producing

companies experienced a relative boom, as reflected by the increases in their
extraction. For the said period, the total chromite ore extraction grew at an
annual average of 30.1 percent, despite the earthquake that jolted Luzon island
in July 1990.

However, starting 1991, a downtrend was experienced as a result of the

volcanic eruption. This catastrophe deluged service roads with mudflows thus,
affecting the transport of the output of one of the biggest chromite producers in
that location. Power shortage and other geological factors affected the operations
of most chromite mining companies in the succeeding years.

As a result of reduced extraction and positive other accumulation, the

stock of total chromite ore reserves registered an annual average growth of 1.5
percent for the period 1988-1994. The corresponding metal content posted an

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average annual growth of 0.4 percent for the same period. In contrast with the
physical asset accounts for which estimates were undertaken by type of
chromite, the monetary asset account for chromite was estimated only on an
aggregate basis.

Nickel

Beginning in 1991, the stock of ore reserves started to decline. In 1993,

the nickel metal production tremendously dropped, the effect of the slowdown in
the international demand for nickel, coupled with increased production in the
earlier years, which dampened the market price of nickel metal.

Iron

Iron ore, one of the Philippines’ largest mineral deposits, is not being
extracted at present. This was due to the higher cost of production, making the
local prices of iron not competitive to world prices. However, exploration for
possible mining sites is still being done. In 1989, there was an addition of 10.1
million MT in total reserves. Several mining areas explored in 1992 were found
positive with iron, resulting in a huge increase in ore reserves of 298.6 million
MT, with a metal content of 124.0 million MT.

Manganese

During the period 1988 to 1994, manganese reserves in ore form

registered an annual average growth of 2.7 percent -- from 1.4 million MT in 1988
to 1.6 million MT in 1994. The extraction of manganese ore exhibited fluctuations
for the years in review. In 1992, exploration for more possible mining sites in
several areas was conducted. This resulted to an increase of ore reserves by
203,014 MT, with a metal content of 87,843 MT at the end of the year, gross of
extraction.

Bodies of Water

Being an archipelago, much of the Philippines is surrounded by bodies of

water. The north is bordered by the Babuyan Channel, the west by the South
China Sea, and the south by the Celebes Sea. The Philippines' eastern coast
faces the Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, inland lakes and rivers exist within the
islands, formed through time by different geologic activities.

The Philippines boast of many different kinds of natural water forms, such
as bays, rivers, lakes falls, gulfs, straits, and swamps. Because it is made up of
islands, the country's coastline, if laid end-to-end, would measure around 17.5

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thousand kilometers. The Philippines is blessed with excellent natural harbors for
ports like Manila Bay. Other excellent harbors with port potentials are found in
Ilocos, Pangasinan, Visayas, and Mindanao. The three largest rivers in the
country are the Cagayan River in Northern Luzon, the Rio Grande de Mindanao,
and the Agusan River, also in Mindanao. Also noteworthy in terms of size are the
Agno, Pasig, Angat Pampanga, and Bicol rivers in Luzon. Most popular among
tourist is the famous underground river in Palawan. Aside from rivers, the country
also abounds with lakes. Easily the most famous is the heart-shaped Laguna de
Bay. Other famous lakes are Taal in Batangas, Sampaloc in Laguna, Buhi and
Bulusan in Bicol, Naujan in Mindoro oriental, and Lanao and Mainit in Mindanao.
Generating power for the Nation’s growth are the magnificent waterfalls that
serve as tourist attractions, as well. The biggest is waterfalls is the Maria Cristina
falls, it can be found in the North Western part of Lanao province in Mindanao,
while the most popular is Pagsanjan falls in Laguna, where tourist came in
droves.
 
Philippine Seas and Channels

 Babuyan Channel
 Balintang Channel
 Bashi Channel
 Bohol Sea
 Camote Sea
 Canigao Channel
 Celebes sea
 Luzon Strait
 Mindanao Sea
 Philippine Sea
 Samar Sea
 Sibuyan Sea
 South China Sea
 Sulu Sea
 Visayan Sea

Bays

 Baler Bay
 Batangas Bay
 Butuan Bay
 Iligan Bay
 Illana Bay
 Lamon Bay
 Macajalar Bay
 Manila Bay
 Ormoc Bay

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  Panquil Bay
 San Miguel Bay
 San Pedro Bay (Philippines)
 Sibuguey Bay
 Sorsogon Bay
 Subic Bay
 Tayabas Bay

Lakes

 Laguna de Bay
 Lake Buhi
 Lake Caliraya
 Lake Lanao
 Lake Mainit
 Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
 Naujan Lake
 Taal Lake

Rivers

 Agno River
 Cagayan River
 Mindanao River
 Pampanga River
 Pansipit River
 Pasig River

Fisheries

With its territorial waters measuring as much as 1.67 million square

kilometers and located in the worlds fishing center, the Philippines is definitely
rich in marine resources. Of the 2,400 fish species found in the country.  65 have
good commercial value. Other marine products include corals, pearls, crabs and
seaweeds. Some of the country’s best salt water fishing areas are found in
Sintangki Island in Sulu Estancia in Bohol, Malampaya in Palawan, Lingayen
Gulf in Pangasinan, San Miguel lake in Camarines Norte, Bantayan Channel in
Cebu, and the seas of Quezon and Sorsogon.
 
On the other hand, among our biggest fisher water fishing areas are
Laguna de Bay, Bombon Lake in Batangas, Bato Lake in Canmarines Sur,
Naujan Lake in Mindoro and Mainit Lake in Agusan del Norte.

An authentic rainbow of species pours out of Philippine waters ani| into

aquariums around the world each year. The Philippines' underwater landscapes

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surpass the terrestrial in beauty for inexpressively rich marinelife. There are more
than 500 sea species containing variants of hard soft coral reefs. Individual and
commercial fishermen have caught tuna, mackerel, squid, cattlefish, shrimp,
lobster, crab, and a host of other marine creatures. Some reei fishermen destroy
marine life through cyanide poisoning and dynamite fishing just to get a daily
catch. Other fishes such as swordfish, marlin, sailfish, sharks, eels and sea
snakes can also be found. There is also a multitude of small fishes in various
colors and sizes, most of them still unnamed.

The world's largest fish, the harmless whale shark, known to reach
approximately 20 meters in length, is occasionally seen in Philippine waters.
Meanwhile, the world's smallest fish called dwarf pygmy (Pandaka pvgmaea) is
common. It usually inhabits the Malabon River and the streams of Bulacan. In
Lake Buhi, the world's smallest commercial fish, tabios, is found. However, that
creature is nearing extinction.

Other forms of marine life, ranging from whales to dolphins to jellyfish,

sponges and starfishes, can be found in Philippine waters.

Because of poisoning and dynamiting, there has been widespread

destruction of local fish populations and ecosystems. Many of the fishes die from
severe liver damage within days of being transported. The use of sodium cyanide
- a chemical first introduced in the Philippines in the 1960s to stun fish and now
widely used as an easy (and seemingly harmless) way to catch large numbers of
fish for both domestic and foreign markets - has greatly devastated marine
life.

Name: __________________________ Date: _________________

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Year and Section: _________________ Teacher: ______________

A.
Think!

B.

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