STUDY IN PHILIPPINES

About Philippines

These are some of the fast facts about the Republic of Philippines that students would like to know when they decide on pursuing higher studies in Philippines. The information on Philippines provided here is meant for students who want to have a rough idea about Philippines at the first glance itself.

Capital of Philippines - Manila

Largest city - Quezon City

Total Area of Philippines - 300000 km.2

Language(s)
Although Filipino and English are the official languages in Philippines, Bikol, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Kapampangan, Pangsinan, Waray Waray are also spoken in certain parts of the country.

Government - Unitary Presidential Constitutional Republic

President - Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Population - 76, 504, 077 (According to 2000 census).

Literacy rate - 92.28% (2000 Census).

Currency - Peso

Calling code:+63

Education system of Philippines resembles closely with that of the American system, as it was a colony of America for more than 48 years. The Bureau of Elementary Education is responsible for making preprimary and primary education available for every Filipino child and maintaining its standard. Pre-primary education in Philippines starts at the age of 3. Up to the age of five they attend nursery school and then go to the kindergarten.

Primary education in Philippines starts at the age of six. The primary medium of instruction in all the schools of Philippines is English. Filipino is considered the second language. In some of the schools Spanish (Philippines was a colony of Spain before the Americans took over) and Arabic (5% of the population is Muslim) is also taught. Six years of primary education in Philippines is compulsory and provided for free in the public schools.

With the abolition of the National Elementary Achievement test (NEAT) in 2004, students need not produce any score for getting admission to the govt. high schools. However, the private schools may conduct some entrance exam for admitting students in the high school. Secondary school education in Philippines consists of four years and provided for free by the Bureau of Secondary Education in the public schools. Students can move up to either two or three years of technical or vocational education in Philippines or pursue higher education in a college or university.

Higher education in Philippines is provided by both private and public institutes and the commission for Higher Education is responsible for formulating and implementing policies, plans and programs for the development and efficient operation of system of higher education in Philippines. There are more than 1647 higher education institutes in Philippines at present. Students from various parts of the globe come to Philippines for pursuing higher education. Most of these foreign students come from America, Korea and Taiwan.

This island nation in South East Asia is known for its multiculturalism. People from different parts of the world has come to this nation at different period and contributed a lot the development of Filipino culture, which makes a tour to Philippines pleasant experience for all kinds of tourists. While the business travelers can find all the necessary amenities for conducting their activities, its splendid beaches, coral waters and scenic beauty would surely mesmerize the leisure travelers.

Climate in Philippines:

The climate of Philippines is tropical marine and the months of June, July and August are rainy. Temperature during this period may range from 30 to 32 degree Celsius. The weather of Philippines becomes cooler in the months of December, January and February. Temperature during this period varies between 20 to 30 degree Celsius. The weather in Philippines becomes very hot during the months of March April and May when the temperature rises to 37 degree Celsius. The months of September, October and November are very pleasant and maximum tourists flock to Philippines during this period.

Major tourist attractions in Philippines:

This tropical archipelago in South East Asia is a home to numerous islands.

The live volcanoes, long stretches of splendid beaches, world-class diving spots and unique wildlife are the major tourist attractions in Philippines. Manila, the capital city of Philippines showcases a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Its skyscrapers, shopping malls, museums, discotheque and casinos would keep every tourist enchanted. Cebu, the second largest city of Philippines is another major tourist attraction in Philippines. While its fine diving spots make it a paradise for the adventure seekers, the shopping malls, monuments and discotheques are promising to make a tour to Philippines fulfilling. The picturesque city of Tagate, the world famous white beaches of Boracay island, historical city of Ilocos, the summer capital of Baguio, scenic Bicol region known for its Mount Mayon Volcano, mountainous province of Baatan, Picturesque Davao and Palwan cities are other tourist spots of Philippines that are attracting people from various parts of the globe for centuries. The warm hospitality of the people and their ability to converse in English has also added to the growth of the tourism industry in Philippines.

Higher Education or tertiary education in Philippines is quite well developed and institutes of higher education are spread over most of the parts of the country. The commission on Higher Education, which was established in May 18, 1994, is the governing body for public, private and all degree granting programmes in all tertiary educational institutes in Philippines. Its primary responsibilities include making education accessible to all and promoting quality education by ensuring and protecting academic freedom for the continuing intellectual growth.

There are various types of public higher education institutes in Philippines like the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), CHED supervised institutions (CSI), Other Government schools (OGS) and Special Higher Education Institutes. While the SUCs are established, administered and financially subsidized by the govt., the LUCs are established and financially supported by the local govt. concerned. CSIs are non-chartered public postsecondary educational institutions that established and supported by the govt. The Special Higher Education institutes are also under the govt. and meant to provide training in military science and national defense.

Private Higher Education institutes in Philippines that are established under the Corporation Code can be sectarian and non sectarian. While the sectarian institutes are owned and operated by religious organizations, the non-sectarian organizations are operated by private entities mainly for profit. There are more than 1647 higher education institutes in Philippines at present. Students from various parts of the globe come to Philippines for pursuing higher education. Most of these foreign students come from America, Korea and Taiwan.