Government | and politics ruled by Spanish governors appointed

Significant changes have occurred in the government and politics of the Philippines throughout its history.

During the Spanish colonial period (1565-1898), the Philippines was ruled by Spanish governors appointed by the Spanish monarchy. After the Spanish-American War, the Philippines became a U.S. territory until 1946, when it gained independence.
The Philippines is a democratic republic with a president as the head of state. And a prime minister as the head of government. The current president is Rodrigo Duterte. The country’s political landscape is dominated by a few influential families and characterized by corruption and patronage politics.

Government and politics

Then, during the martial law period from 1972 to 1981. The Philippines was ruled by a dictatorship under President Ferdinand Marcos. The government is known for engaging in extensive human rights abuses, corruption, and stifling political dissent.
The Philippines is a democratic republic with a president as the head of state. The country has a multi-party political system, with the main political parties being the Liberal Party. The Nationalist People’s Coalition and the PDP-Laban Party. Despite its democratic system, the country still faces challenges such as corruption, political dynasties, and human rights abuses.

The Philippine Government

The government operates under a system of checks and balances, with three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial. The legislative branch is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The judiciary is composed of the Supreme Court and lower courts. The Philippines operates under a federal system of government. The central government and local governments have distinct powers and responsibilities. Despite its democratic system, the country still faces challenges such as corruption, political dynasties, and human rights abuses.

ETIHAD DEALS

a. Government Foreign relations

The Philippines has diverse foreign relations with other countries and international organizations.

Bilateral relations: The Philippines maintains strong ties with its Southeast Asian counterparts. And major powers such as the United States, China, Japan, and Australia. The country also has diplomatic relations with other countries in the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East.
Regional organizations: The Philippines is a member of several regional organizations. Examples include the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the East Asia Summit (EAS).
Multilateral organizations: The Philippines is also a member of several international organizations. The United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the World Health Organization (WHO) are important entities on the global stage.
Foreign policy: The Philippines safeguards its territorial sovereignty and national interests in its foreign policy. This includes a focus on fostering regional peace and stability, promoting economic development through collaboration on the global stage. The country’s foreign policy has recently been shaped by territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

b. The Philippine Military

The Philippine military is the defense and armed forces of the Philippines. The military in the Philippines comprises the Philippine Air Force, the Philippine Army, and the Philippine Navy. Its primary duties include safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in upholding internal security and providing assistance during natural disasters and other emergencies.

History: The Philippine military has a long and complex history, dating back to the Spanish colonial period. The Philippine Revolution happened while Japan occupied the country during World War II. Its military forces were reconstituted after the country gained independence in 1946.
Structure and organization: The Philippine military is under the authority of the President of the Philippines. Who acts as its commander-in-chief? The Department of National Defense serves as the central defense organization and oversees the different branches of the military. The military operates through ranks and promotions based on merit and performance.
Modernization: The Philippine military has been undergoing modernization efforts in recent years. The country has been dedicated to enhancing its military capability through advancements in equipment, technology, and training as it navigates territorial disputes and security challenges in the region.

c. The Philippine Government Administrative Divisions

The Philippines is divided into three levels of administrative divisions:

Regions: There are 17 regions in the Philippines, which serve as the primary geographical divisions of the country. The regions are grouped into three island clusters: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Provinces: The Philippines is segmented into 81 provinces, each serving as the secondary level of administrative subdivision. Governed by a governor, every province functions autonomously with its own local government and legislative body in place.
Cities and municipalities: The Philippines is divided into 145 cities and 1,489 municipalities. What are the third-level administrative divisions? Cities and municipalities are further divided into barangays, the smallest administrative units.

Each level of administrative division has distinct powers and responsibilities, with the national government providing general guidance and support. The portrayal of the nation into these administrative entities aids in guaranteeing efficient service delivery. As well as the preservation of peace and order within the community.

The Philippine Demographics

In 2021, the Philippines was home to approximately 108 million individuals, showcasing a vibrant cultural tapestry. The majority of the population resides in urban areas, with Manila, the capital city, ranking as one of the most densely populated cities globally.

Ethnic groups: The Philippines is home to numerous ethnic groups, with the majority being of Austronesian descent. The largest ethnic group is Tagalog, followed by the Ilocano, Cebuano, and Hiligaynon. There are also significant populations of Chinese, Spanish, and American descent in the country.
Language: The official language of the Philippines is Filipino, which is based on Tagalog. Widely spoken English the medium of instruction in higher education. Other regional languages include Cebuano, Ilocano, and Waray.
Religion: The Philippines is predominantly a Roman Catholic country, with about 80% of the population identifying as Catholic. Other religions practiced in the country include Protestantism, Islam, Buddhism, and Taoism.
Age structure: The Philippines has a young population, with a median age of 24. The country also has a rapidly growing elderly population. More individuals aged 65 and older expected to rise significantly in the ensuing years.
Migration: The Philippines has a high level of international migration. Many Filipinos work abroad in other countries United States, Canada, and the Middle East. Remittances from overseas Filipino workers make a significant portion of the country’s economy.

a. Ethnic Groups

The Philippines is a culturally diverse country, home to numerous ethnic groups. The majority of the population is of Austronesian descent. There is a considerable presence of individuals with Chinese, Spanish, and American heritage various other ethnic backgrounds.

Tagalog: The largest ethnic group in the Philippines, making up around 28% of the population. It concentrated in central and southern regions of Luzon, including the capital city of Manila.
Ilocano: The second-largest ethnic group, making up around 9% of the population. The majority found in the Ilocos region on the island of Luzon.
Cebuano: The third-largest ethnic group, making up around 8% of the population. Primarily concentrated in the Visayas region, including the island of Cebu.
Hiligaynon: Fourth-largest ethnic group, making up around 7% of the population. They primarily concentrated in the Western Visayas region.
Other groups: There are also smaller populations of ethnic groups such as the Waray, Kapampangan, Bicolano, and Pangasinense, among others. Each ethnic group has unique cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions, and has regional languages and dialects.

b. Languages

The Philippines, a multilingual country with several languages spoken across the archipelago:

Filipino: The official language is Filipino, which is based on the Tagalog language. It serves as a common language used across the country and is also the primary medium of instruction in schools.
English: It widely spoken in the Philippines and the medium of instruction in higher education. It used in business, government, and other professional settings.
Regional languages: More than 170 regional languages spoken in the Philippines, with the most commonly used ones being Cebuano, Ilocano, Waray, and Hiligaynon. These regional languages acknowledged as auxiliary official languages and utilized in regional government and media.
Chinese: Sizable Chinese community in the Philippines, where Mandarin and Cantonese commonly spoken.
Spanish: Spanish was the official language of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. Some Filipinos continue to study and utilize it today, especially in the realms of history and cultural heritage.

c. Religion

Religion plays an important role in the lives of many Filipinos. There are several religious groups present in the country:

Roman Catholicism: Catholicism is the dominant religion in the Philippines, with approximately 80% of the population identifying as Catholic. Established during the Spanish colonial period and became deeply ingrained in Philippine culture.
Protestantism: Protestantism is the second-largest religious group in the Philippines, with around 10% of the population identifying as Protestant. Protestant denominations include Baptists, Methodists, Seventh-day Adventists, and Iglesia ni Cristo.
Islam: Islam is the third-largest religious group in the Philippines, with around 5% of the population identifying as Muslim. Most Muslims in the Philippines are Sunni, with smaller populations of Shia and Ahmadiyya.
Buddhism and Taoism: There are also small but significant populations of Buddhists and Taoists in the Filipino Chinese community.
Other religions: Various religious groups exist in the Philippines, such as Hinduism, animism, and indigenous religious practices.

d. Health

The issue of health in the Philippines is multifaceted. Shaped by various factors such as poverty levels, healthcare accessibility, and prevailing disease patterns.

Healthcare system: The Philippines has a mixed healthcare system, with public and private healthcare options available. Government-provided public healthcare frequently faces constraints due to insufficient funding and limited resources. Private healthcare is more widely available but is often expensive and out of reach for many Filipinos.
Major health issues: The Philippines faces various health issues, including communicable diseases. Such as tuberculosis, dengue fever, and HIV/AIDS, as well as non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Maternal and child health: Maternal and child health is an important issue in the Philippines. Maternal mortality rates remain relatively high, particularly in rural and remote areas. Child malnutrition is also a significant issue, with around a third of children in the Philippines suffering from stunted growth.
Health facilities and services: Access to healthcare facilities and services is a challenge in the countryside and isolated regions. The government has made efforts to improve access to healthcare through initiatives. These include establishing rural health units and sending out mobile health clinics.
Health funding: The Philippines faces challenges in funding healthcare, with the government struggling to allocate adequate resources for the sector. This has led to limited access to quality healthcare for many Filipinos. And has contributed to ongoing health issues in the country.

e. Education

The Philippines’ education delivered by a combination of public and private institutions. It falls under the supervision of the Department of Education.

Basic education in the Philippines: Mandated that children between 6 and 16 receive basic education. This includes six years of primary education followed by four years of secondary education. Basic education is provided by both public and private schools, with the majority of students attending public schools.
Higher education: Higher education in the Philippines is provided by universities and colleges and covers undergraduate and graduate programs. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is responsible for overseeing the regulation and development of higher education in the nation.
Literacy rates: Literacy rates in the Philippines are relatively high. Approximately 94% of adults are proficient in reading and writing, but disparities in educational access exist, especially in rural and remote regions. The variations in data can greatly affect literacy rates and academic success.
Curriculum: The Philippine education system follows a standardized curriculum set by the Department of Education. The education system received criticism for its heavy emphasis on rote learning and limited attention. It highlights exploring critical thinking and creativity within mathematics, science, and language arts.
Educational Challenges in the Philippines: The Philippines’ education confronted with various challenges. The insufficient government funding, a deficit of teachers, and inadequate educational infrastructure. These obstacles not only hinder the quality of education but also restrict access to educational opportunities for a significant portion of the Filipino population, especially in rural and remote regions.

READ: