MODULE

FOR
PHILI
PPINE
CULT
URE
 AND
TOURI
SM

GEOGRAPHY
 (THC 3)
1st SEMESTER - ACADEMIC YEAR
2021-2022

DAVE SIDNEY M.
TIRONES
PART-TIME INSTRUCTOR

T
H
C

P
h
i
l
i
p
p
i
n
e

C
u
l
t
u
r
e

a
n
d

T
o
u
r
i
s
m

G
e
o
g
r
a
p
h
y

C
o
u
r
s
e

I
n
s
t
r
u
c
t
o
r
:

D
a
v
e

S
i
d
n
e
y

M
.

T
i
r
o
n
e
s

GUIDE ON HOW TO USE THE MODULE

A. For Faculty
In the situation we are in today without face-
to-face learning and teaching, this module is designed
for Philippine Culture and Tourism Geography (THC
3).

This will be the guide for the method of

teaching and to help students alleviate the learning
difficulties of current situation. Your full guidance on
students is expected to achieve full learning.

Also, teachers should make an effort to discuss

all the contents of the module within the allotted
time. Each teacher is free to use his strategy so that
they can be taught based on the ability and needs of
his student. Hoping that teachers will be open-minded
and considerate in the various situations in which the
students are experiencing today and to have a broad
understanding of any possible shortcomings of the
students in answering and performing in this module.

The distribution of this module is through

Google Mail Accounts (Gmail), Google Classroom
or any most practical distribution medium based on
the group to which they belong.

B. For Learners
We are aware of the hardships you are going
through at this time so we want you to stay in your
homes, please do not let your learning stop. From
here, teachers have prepared this module for you.
 This module was created to tailor and support
your needs and interests in the Philippine Culture and
Tourism Geography (THC 3) course subject. This
course will have sixteen (16) modules consisting of
lessons and a variety of activities lined up with what
you hope to achieve in the future.

In this regard, reading and studying the

lessons should be done sequentially based on its
structure so that the understanding of those written in
this module is consistent and seamless.

It is encouraged to read the content of the

module thoroughly to understand what should and
not should be done. We aim to make time and be
serious about answering and practicing tasks.
Remember that everything you do for this course is
recorded and graded accordingly.

It is also important to know that all module

activities have a set time or specific date of
submission to your teacher. Avoid being late for
“deadlines” to refrain having worry about this course.
We hope that you will excel in this course and that
you will succeed.

If you encounter any difficulty in answering

the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult
your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that
you are not alone. We hope that through this material,
you will experience meaningful learning and gain
deep understanding of the relevant competencies.

We LEARN as ONE! You can do it!

T
H
C

P
h
i
l
i
p
p
i
n
e

C
u
l
t
u
r
e

a
n
d

T
o
u
r
i
s
m

G
e
o
g
r
a
p
h
y

C
o
u
r
s
e

I
n
s
t
r
u
c
t
o
r
:

D
a
v
e

S
i
d
n
e
y

M
.

T
i
r
o
n
e
s

INTRODUCTORY MESSAGE

Welcome to the Philippine Culture and

Tourism Geography (THC 3) Alternative Delivery
Mode (ADM) Module.

This module was collaboratively designed,

developed and reviewed by educators both from
public and private institutions to assist you, the
teacher or facilitator in helping the learners meet the
standards set by the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED) Curriculum while overcoming their
personal, social, and economic constraints in
schooling.
 This learning resource hopes to engage the
learners into guided and independent learning
activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore,
this also aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st
century skills while taking into consideration their
needs and circumstances.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the

learners on how to use this module. You also need to
keep track of the learners; progress while allowing
them to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you
are expected to encourage and assist the learners as
they do the tasks included in the module.

T
H
C

P
h
i
l
i
p
p
i
n
e

C
u
l
t
u
r
e

a
n
 d

T
o
u
r
i
s
m

G
e
o
g
r
a
p
h
y

C
o
u
r
s
e

I
n
s
t
r
u
c
t
o
r
:

D
a
v
e

S
i
d
n
e
y

M
.

T
i
r
o
n
e
s

MODULE FOR PHILIPPINE CULTURE AND TOURISM

GEOGRAPHY (THC 3)

Credits : 3 units (3 hours/week)

Pre-Requisite : NONE

Lesson Title: INTRODUCTION TO

PHILIPPINE CULTURE AND
TOURISM At the end of the
lesson, the learners will be able
to:
 1. accept the economic value of the tourist
destinations in the different provinces and
cities of the Philippines;
2. identify the various provinces in each region
and town, and chartered and component cities
in each province on a blank map;
3. identify the major access routes to major domestic
destinations;
4. name and describe the major attractions in each province;
5. know the cultural differences and similarities
among the major ethnic groups in the country;
and
6. improve their research and presentation skills.

Philippine Tourism: An Overview

The Philippines is a beautiful and archipelagic

country. On top of its natural and cultural/heritage
attractions are the friendliest, most hardworking, and
considered the most hospitable people in the world.
Filipinos are bilingual, making it easy for foreign
tourists to communicate with locals of different
destinations.

The Philippines has several United Nations

Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) World Heritage Sites. These include the
cultural Baroque Churches of the Philippines, such as
the San Agustin Church in Manila, Paoay Church in
Ilocos Norte, Sta. Maria Church in Ilocos Sur, and
Miag-ao in Iloilo. The Historic Town of Vigan and the
Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras are among
those listed under cultural heritage. Mount
Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Eastern
Mindanao, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
National Park, and Tubbataha Reef National Marine
Park in Palawan are also listed as UNESCO World
Heritage Sites Natural category. The Philippines is
also home to the internationally acclaimed white sand
beaches of Boracay, Coron, El Nido, and Panglao.

Tourism in the Philippines has become a

valuable economic, social, and cultural driver. Its
impacts have been far and wide based on arrival rates
each year. Based on origin, international tourism and
domestic tourism are the two distinct types of tourism.
International tourism refers to tourism that crosses
national borders while domestic tourism is defined as
travel made within one's country of residence.

There is no discounting the fact that with

cheaper and easier ways of travel, social media, and
higher disposable income, more and more people will
be traveling within and outside their countries. As
domestic tourism develops, economic and socio-
cultural impacts and environmental protection need to
be addressed.

Economic Aspect
 On the economic vantage point, domestic
tourism contributes vastly in increasing a country's
economic activity. In the Philippines, domestic
tourism activity has become increasingly high.
Domestic tourists outnumber international tourists ten
times more. Domestic tourism expenditure, which
includes expenditure of resident visitors within the
country either as

T
H
C

P
h
i
l
i
p
p
i
n
e

C
u
l
t
u
r
e

a
n
d

T
o
u
r
i
s
m

G
e
o
g
r
a
p
h
y

C
o
u
r
s
e

I
n
s
t
r
u
c
t
o
r
:

D
a
v
e

S
i
d
n
e
y

M
.

T
i
r
o
n
e
s

domestic trip or part of an international trip, has

grown because of tourism. In terms of employment,
tourism and related industries have grown
considerably: 1 out of 10 jobs are tourism-related.

Socio-cultural Aspect

The Philippine culture is a blend of the Malay-

Polynesian, Hispanic, and Western cultures with some
influence from the Chinese and other Asian cultures.
Having Spain colonizes us for more than 300 years
and the Americans thereafter, have made the Filipinos
a melting pot of different cultures. With the
increasing number of Overseas Filipino Workers
(OFW) and international travel, the Filipino culture
continues to evolve.

Filipinos have a very strong sense of family

and kapwa (others). This is evident in the way we
give importance to our relationships with others. The
Filipinos are known to be one of the most hospitable
people in the world wherein we think of others as part
of themselves and their family.

Filipinos are also lovers of art in many forms.

Music is an integral part of the Filipino culture as
evidenced by singing, dancing, and playing musical
instruments. The town fiestas celebrated in different
parts of the country is a testimony of the Filipinos
faith and gratefulness to patron saints where many
religious activities, street dancing, singing, and eating
are part of the celebration.

Environmental Protection

One of the major threats to environmental

protection is the continuous growth of tourism
industry. The implementation of laws and other
policies in favor of the environment has to be strictly
enforced for tourism development to be sustainable.
The Philippines has the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR) to oversee the
protection of the environment in line with proposed
tourism development in various areas.

The 4 A’s of Tourism

The succeeding chapters are organized in a

manner that is in line with the 4 As of tourism -
access, attractions, accommodations, and activities.
The 4 As need to be addressed for domestic tourism
to flourish in any destination.

Access – Land, sea, and air access to and from

the destination as well as within the destination
should be relatively fast and easy. Tourists would not
want to be traveling the whole day. They prefer to be
spending time on the destination than on the bus, boat,
or plane. Roads, bridges, and ports should be
developed to acceptable levels to accommodate the
influx of tourists.

Attractions – The main reason tourists go to a

destination is because of its attractions. The
attractions can be cultural/heritage/historic, natural,
and/or built/man-made. There should be a good mix
of these three types for good variety.

Accommodations – There should be a wide

budget, mid-range, and range of accommodations that
vary from deluxe. This way, the destination can attract
tourists from a wide demographic profile.
Accommodations should include the most basic needs
of a comfortable bed, clean toilets, and food services.
Wi-Fi access is becoming a necessity for tourist to
connect with their loved ones.

T
H
C

P
h
i
l
i
p
p
i
n
e

C
u
l
t
u
r
e

a
n
d
T
o
u
r
i
s
m

G
e
o
g
r
a
p
h
y

C
o
u
r
s
e

I
n
s
t
r
u
c
t
o
r
:

D
a
v
e

S
i
d
n
e
y

M
.

T
i
r
o
n
e
s

Activities – The destination should also offer a

variety, of activities located close to each other. The
activities should be connected to each other with
varying degrees within a similar theme. Themes
would include adventure, health and wellness,
medical, sports, MICE (meetings, incentives,
conferences, and events), etc. For example, if
destination wants to be soft, medium, and hard
known as an adventure destination, then activities
should range from adventure activities. A good mix
of activities will keep tourists to stay longer and spend
more.
 As local tourism in the country exceeds
international tourist arrivals by as much as 10 times,
destination managers cannot disregard the
contribution that local tourists make. Hence,
activities, accommodations, and amenities should also
be designed with the local tourist in mind. In fact,
many tourist facilities such as hotels and resorts have
acknowledged the fact that majority of its guests are
local tourists.

Basic Facts About the Philippines

A. Islands in the Philippines

1. Largest Island in the Philippines

Luzon Island, located in the northern region of

the archipelago, is the country's largest and most
populous island. It also has the greatest population
among the three island groups. Having an area of
42,458 square miles, Luzon is further subdivided
into four major areas - Northern Luzon, Central
Luzon, Southern Luzon, and the National Capital
Region, which is home to the country's capital,
Manila and is the country's center of economic,
social, cultural, and financial development
(Vallejo, 2014 and Valdeavilla, 2018).

2. Smallest Island in the Philippines

The Philippines consists of thousands of

islands and there is no known smallest island
using any known technical definition and due to
high tide and low tide variations.

3. Number of Islands

There are 7,641 islands in the Philippines (Barile, 2017).

4. Length of Coastline

According to the Library of Congress –

Federal Research Division (2006), the length of
coastline estimates a total length of the coastline
range from 17,500 kilometers (Official Philippine
Figure) to 36,289 kilometers (U.S. figure).

B. Major Landforms

1. Highest Point: Mount Apo

Mount Apo is the largest and the tallest

solfataric mountain on the island of Mindanao
and in the entire Philippines. The mountain has an
elevation of 9,692 feet and is located between the
city of Davao and the province of Davao del Sur.
Mount Apo is characterized by a tropical rainy
climate with rainfall relatively distributed
throughout the year. Mount Apo is home to over
272 species of birds of which 111 species are
 endemic to the mountain. Nineteen rivers drain
Mount Apo's eight major watersheds. Six
indigenous groups of people

T
H
C

P
h
i
l
i
p
p
i
n
e

C
u
l
t
u
r
e

a
n
d

T
o
u
r
i
s
m

G
e
o
g
r
a
p
h
y

C
o
u
r
s
e

I
n
s
t
r
u
c
t
o
r
:

D
a
v
e

S
i
d
n
e
y

M
.

T
i
r
o
n
e
s

including Bagobo, Ubos, and Tagacaol live

around the regions of Mount Apo and consider
the mountain a sacred place and a place for
worship rituals (Misachi, 2017).

2. Oldest Province: Aklan

Originally called Minuro, Aklan is considered

as the oldest province in the Philippines. Records
say that the province was established during the
early 12th century by settlers originating from
Borneo. Datu Dinagandan, who established trade
with neighboring islands, was the first ruler.
Kalantiaw then grabbed the throne, and his family
continued to rule the province until the mid-14th
century (topten.ph, 2016).

3. Number of Provinces, Cities, Municipalities and

Barangays

As of March 31, 2018, the Philippines have 81

provinces, 145 cities, 1,489 municipalities, and
42,036 barangays (Philippine Statistics Authority).

4. Largest/Smallest Province:

∙ Largest Province: Palawan

Palawan is the largest in terms of land area at

17,030.75 sq. kms.

∙ Smallest Province: Batanes

Batanes has a land area of 203.22 sq.

kms. (De la Rosa, Fiestada, Sanchez, and
Mangahas 2018)

C. Climate Information

The first half of the year, from January to

May, is the best time to visit the country.
November to February is cool, while March to
May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy, with
the months between July and September
characterized by typhoons. Average temperature
 is 78 degrees F/25 degrees C; average humidity IS
77%.

D. Language

The Philippines has two official languages,

Filipino (or Pilipino) and English. Filipino has
eight major dialects, in order of use: Tagalog,
Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol,
Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense. Filipino,
based on Tagalog, is related to Malay and
Indonesian and is part of the Malayo-Polynesian
subgroup of the Austronesian language family.
Filipino is the common language used between
speakers of different native languages, which are
closely related but not mutually intelligible. There
are about 76 to 78 major language groups, with
more than 500 dialects (DOT, 2018).

E. Major Ethnic Groups

The richness of the Philippines does not end

with just its aesthetic appeal, but beyond what the
eyes can see in photos and videos, is the vibrant
feel of its people. This is the differentiation of the
Philippines as a tourist destination. Its people are
known to be the most hospitable in the world.
Filipinos treat guests like family, willing to give
up the seat of honor for its visitors.

T
H
C

P
h
i
l
i
p
p
i
n
e

C
u
l
t
u
r
e

a
n
d

T
o
u
r
i
s
m

G
e
o
g
r
a
p
h
y

C
o
u
r
s
e

I
n
s
t
r
u
c
t
o
r
:

D
a
v
e

S
i
d
n
e
y

M
.

T
i
r
o
n
e
s

The Philippines has more than 100 ethnic

groups. The more dominant groups include
Tagalog, Bisaya, Cebuano, Ilocano, Ilonggo, and
Waray.
Ethnic Group Population (2010)

Tagalog 22,512,089

Visayan/Bisaya 10,539,816

Cebuano 9,125,637

Ilokano/llocano 8,074,536

Hiligaynon/llonggo 7,773,655

Waray 3,660,645
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority
(2018)

The Philippine culture is a blend of the Malayo

Polynesian and Hispanic culture with the
influence from Chinese, Indians, Arabs, and other
Asian cultures as manifested in various customs
and traditions of the Filipinos. Filipinos have the
concept of kapwa (others) to refer to other people
as an extension of themselves. It shows on how
they give importance to their connection or
relationship with other people. This is one of the
roots of their being hospitable-Filipinos think of
others as part of themselves and their family. This
strong sense of kapwa enables Filipinos to share
what they have with others, give the best place in
the house for the visitors and always provide the
best food for its guests.

Filipinos are lovers of art as evidenced by their

folk songs, cultural dances, rituals, festivals,
intricate architecture of churches, and ancestral
houses. They are also lovers of music and have
the ability to express themselves through song and
dance. Videoke has evolved to be associated as a
favorite past-time and get-together activity.
Filipinos love to celebrate and gather with family
and friends around popular Filipino dishes such as
lechon, adobo, and pancit.

Religion is an integral and inseparable aspect

of Filipino culture. The Philippines is known to
celebrate the longest Christmas season. Devotion
to various images of the Lord Jesus, such as the
Sto. Niño and the Black Nazarene, as well as to
the Blessed Virgin Mary and different patron
saints, are celebrated through festivals, most of
which have religious origins (Peralta, 2000).
Religion is also a powerful organizing principle
for ethnic groups.

Filipinos are generally family-oriented with

adult children continuing to stay family home. It
is not unfamiliar for families to have extended
family members staying with them permanently.
Extended family members may include elderly
aunts and uncles and married children with their
growing families. Nursing homes are not popular
in the Philippines as children take care of their
ageing parents.

Filipinos find reason to celebrate any and all

occasions. Birthdays, weddings, baptisms, of
funerals, and Christmas are grand occasions to
celebrate. Food becomes the centerpiece of every
Filipino family celebration. Filipino food
throughout the regions is characterized with
flavors of being salty, sour, sweet, and spicy from
our Hispanic and Malay influences.
 Each region has its unique and distinct
characteristics influenced by its own history and
culture. Ilocano, Tagalog, Bicolano, Waray,
Ilongo, and Mindanaoan are just a few of the
ethnicities of Filipinos.

llocanos are generally known for their simple

lifestyle and strong value for money. Hard work
and strong educational foundation are virtues they
strive to pass on to their children.

T
H
C

P
h
i
l
i
p
p
i
n
e

C
u
l
t
u
r
e

a
n
d

T
o
u
r
i
s
m

G
e
o
g
r
a
p
h
y

C
o
u
r
s
e

I
n
s
t
r
u
c
t
o
r
:

D
a
v
e

S
i
d
n
e
y

M
.

T
i
r
o
n
e
s

The bayanihan spirit is alive in the Tagalog-

speaking provinces. Neighbors help without pay
in the hope that when it is their turn to need help,
their neighbors will be there to help them.
Tagalog families are closely-knit, with adult
children even the married ones still live with their
parents.

The Bicolanos are religious and conservative

in nature. Songs and dances are ways of
expressing themselves. They prefer spicy food
with coconut milk.

The Warays, situated in the Eastern Visayas

Region, are often stereotyped as brave warriors,
as in the popular phrase, 'Basta ang Waray, Hindi
uurong sa away." They are also known as
contented people that during the Spanish
occupation in the region, they were
misunderstood and called lazy.

llongos are very hospitable. They always

provide for their guest comfort and ease at their
own expenses. They are also very gentle in their
ways that their quarrels do not seem like ones.
Since time is not important to the Ilongos, they
also take life as it comes.

Mindanao is the only predominantly Muslim

region in the country. Their customs and
traditions are different than that of Luzon and
Visayas. Majority of the population of Mindanao
region believes in the Islam religion and submits
themselves completely to the will of Allah.
Communal assistance is widely practiced among
the Maguindanaons and Maranaos. By custom
and tradition, they are expected to help their
 relatives by putting In money to finance such
activities as many others. marriages, funerals,
pilgrimages to Mecca, and many others.

The Filipinos are distinct in many ways, go

out and discover what this country has to offer.
Love it, believe in it, and create many wonderful
memories in its more than 7,000 islands.

F. Threats to Preservation of Culture

Language is said to be the bearer of culture.

With the public educational system mainly
patterned from Western influences, there is the
threat of standardization. Culture-based education
is eroded and the national language induces
change within the particular culture. The
internalization of concepts through the medium of
language and the externalization altered since the
culture of the introduced language is internalized
by the receiving
culture.

Mass media provided through radio,

television, print, and more recently, social media,
has a window to the world. New tastes, needs, and
opinions are created which contributes to the
destruction of traditional value systems.

With all these influences, ethnicity, hence, is

not static. It is of living people who change at the
birth of a nation.

G. Life Expectancy

1. Life Expectancy Nationwide

2015 69.0

2016 69.1

2017 69.2

THC 3 – Philippine Culture and Tourism Geography

Course Instructor: Dave Sidney M. Tirones
Source: United Nations Development
Programme Department of Economic and
Social Affairs, 2017

2. Life Expectancy per Region (2010-2015)

Region Male Female

Region I 69.6 75.9

Region Il 68.3 73.3

Region III 68.7 75.4

Region IV-A 68.9 75.2

Region IV-B 68.4 73.0

 Region V 67.6 72.6

Region VI 68.0 74.2

Region VII 63.9 68.9

Region VIlI 66.8 71.7

Region IX 66.6 71.7

Region X 66.9 72.1

Region XI 67.1 71.9

Region XII 67.4 72.3

NCR 68.8 75.6

ARMM 61.9 62.9

CARAGA 65.9 71.3

CAR 67.4 72.7

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority, 2018

References:
Badilla, M. (2019). Philippine Tourism, Geography
and Culture, First Edition. Manila: Rex Book
Store, Inc.

Claravall, Bienvenido G. (2011). Travel and Tour

Operations in the Philippines. Manila.
Mindshapers Co. Inc.

Lim, Romeo A. (2011). Understanding Travel and

Tours Essentials. Intramuros, Manila.
Mindshapers Co. Inc.

Romero, Eloisa A. (2016). Planning for Philippine

Tourism Development. Quezon City. C & E
Publishing Inc.

T
H
C
3

P
h
i
l
i
p
p
i
n
e

C
u
l
t
u
r
e

a
n
d

T
o
u
r
i
s
m

G
e
o
g
r
a
p
h
y

C
o
u
r
s
e

I
n
s
t
r
u
c
t
o
r
:

D
a
v
e

S
i
d
n
e
y

M
.

T
i
r
o
n
e
s