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FAST FACTS ON THE PHILIPPINES
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THE PHILIPPINES
An archipelago of 7,107
islands, the Philippines stretches from the south of China to the northern
tip of Borneo. The country has over a hundred ethnic groups and a mixture of
foreign influences, which have molded a unique Filipino culture.
Before the Spanish
explorers came, Indo-Malays and Chinese merchants had settled here. In 1521
the Spaniards, led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, discovered the
islands. The Spanish conquistadors established a colonial government in Cebu
in 1565. They transferred the seat of government to Manila in 1571 and
proceeded to colonize the country. The Filipinos resisted and waged Asia's
first nationalist revolution in 1896. On June 12, 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo
declared the Philippines independent from Spain and proclaimed himself
president. After ruling for 333 years, the Spaniards finally left in 1898
and were replaced by the Americans who continued to colonize the country for
another 48 years. The Americans brought over their educational system, their
legal system, and their democratic form of government. On July 4, 1946, the
Americans finally recognized Philippine independence.
Considered as the third
largest-English speaking country in the world, the Philippines has
world-class facilities and services such as excellent accommodations, fine
restaurants, modern shopping centers and communications services, efficient
congress and exhibition organizers, and reliable tour operators.
The People
Filipinos are
hardworking, competent and highly-educated. These are the most compelling
advantages the Philippines has over any other Asian country. With education
as priority, literacy rate in the country is 94.6%. English is taught in all
schools. Every year, 350,000 tertiary level graduates enrich the
professional pool.
Strategic Business Location
The Philippines is
located right in the heart of Asia - today the fastest growing region in the
world. It is located within 4 hours flying time from major capitals of the
region. Sited at the crossroads of eastern and western business, it is a
critical entry point to over 500 million people in the ASEAN market and a
gateway of international shipping and air lanes suited for European and
American businesses.
First-class Lifestyle
Discover the best of sun,
sea, sand and style in tropical setting teeming with the best of western
amenities. The Philippines is second home to expatriates who enjoy the
company of the warmest people in the region, the country's openness to
varied cultures and a decidedly global outlook. Expats enjoy accessible and
affordable luxuries - business centers, housing, schools, hospitals,
shopping malls, hotels and restaurants, beach resorts, and recreation
centers.
Abundant Resources
An archipelago like the
Philippines offers diverse natural resources, from land to marine to mineral
resources. It is also the biggest copper producer in Southeast Asia and
among the top ten producers of gold in the world. It is also home to 2,145
fish species, four times more than those found in the Bahamas. The 7,107
islands boast beautiful beaches and breathtaking sceneries offering soothing
leisure and relaxation spots for vacationers and tourists.
Low Cost of Doing Business
Wages are typically less
than a fifth of that in the U.S. Local communication, electricity and
housing costs are also 50% lower compared to U.S. rates. Foreign companies
outsourcing programming and business processes to the Philippines estimate
30% to 40% business cost savings, 15% to 30% call center services and
application systems and 35% to 50% software development.
Liberalized and Business-Friendly Economy
An open economy allows
100% foreign ownership in almost all sectors and supports a
Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) investment scheme that other Asian countries
emulate. Government corporations are being privatized and the banking,
insurance, shipping, telecommunications and power industries have been
deregulated. Incentive packages include the corporate income tax, reduced to
a current 32%, with companies in the Special Economic Zones subject to only
5% overall tax rates. Multinationals looking for regional headquarters are
entitled to incentives such as tax exemptions and tax and duty-free
importation of specific equipment and materials.
Unlimited Business Opportunities
As Asian economies
integrate within the vast framework of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA),
the Philippines is the natural and most strategic location for firms that
want access to the large ASEAN market and its vast trade opportunities. The
Philippines has enhanced and primed up various areas for investors and
offers a dynamic consumer market accustomed to an array of product choices
created by a competitive domestic economy.
Developing Infrastructure for Global Growth
A well-developed
communication, transportation, business and economic infrastructure links
the three major island groupings. Highly accessible by air, water and
cyberspace, the economic infrastructure is becoming more competitive with
the liberalization of inter-island shipping and domestic aviation which has
further improved facilities and services. The container terminals are suited
to handle cargo traffic at the highest levels of efficiency communication
provides redundant international connectivity 24/7 with fiber optic cable as
primary backbone network and satellite as backup. Economic reforms emphasize
regional growth, converting remote areas into business centers. The landmark
BOT legislation allows private investors to build and operate
infrastructure, then turn it over to the Philippine government after a set
period of time.
All You Need and More
The Philippines offer
state-of-the-art telecommunications facilities, adequate and uninterrupted
power supply. There are ready-to-occupy offices and production facilities,
computer security and building monitoring systems, as well as complete
office services in specialized IT zones. With the government's focus on
building up an IT-enabled economy, the Philippines is on its way to becoming
the E-services Hub of Asia.
Getting There
Manila, Cebu, Davao,
Clark, Subic, and Laoag are the international gateways. The Ninoy Aquino
International Airport (NAIA) in Manila is the premier gateway. It is served
by more than 30 airlines, which fly to different cities around the world.
Philippine Airlines, the country's flag carrier, links Manila to 24 cities
in 13 countries. Major cruise liners call on the port of Manila.
Entry Regulations
The Philippines has a
liberal policy in the entry of foreign nationals with or without visas,
depending on their country of origin or place of residence. Nationals
holding ordinary passports from the People's Republic of China are required
to obtain visas to enter the Philippines. Visas and special permits may be
obtained from Philippine missions abroad. Application forms may be
downloaded from the websites of various Philippine embassies and consulates.
Health Regulations
A certificate of
vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers coming from an
infected area.
Airport Information
Manila's Ninoy Aquino
International Airport (NAIA) is 7 km. from the city center while the Manila
Domestic Airport is one km. from the NAIA. The international airports have
adequate traveler facilities: duty-free and souvenir shops, tourist
information and assistance counters, hotel and travel agency
representatives, car rental services, banks and automated teller machines,
postal service, national and international direct dial telephone booths,
medical clinics, and baggage deposit areas.
What to Wear
Light, casual clothes are
recommended. Warmer garments are needed for mountain regions. When visiting
churches and temples, propriety dictates that shorts and scanty clothing be
avoided. Formal occasions require dinner jackets and ties (or the Philippine
Barong Tagalog) for men and cocktail dresses or long gowns for women.
Tipping
Tipping is expected for
many services. The standard practice is 10% of the total bill. Tipping is
optional on bills that already include a 10% service charge.
Accommodations
In Metro Manila, key
cities and towns throughout the country, a wide selection of deluxe,
standard, economy, and pension-type accommodations is available. In island
destinations, there is a variety of resorts ranging from deluxe to special
interest category. The Department of Tourism has a Homestay Program in
several destinations outside Manila. The program offers visitors the comfort
of modest homes and an insight into Philippine life. For information,
contact the Tourist Information Center at Room 106, Department of Tourism
Bldg., tel. nos. (+632) 5242384 / 5241703.
Dining Out
Filipino food is an
exotic, tasteful blend of Oriental, European, and American culinary
influences. There is a wide variety of fresh seafood and delectable fruits.
First class restaurants offer gourmet specialties as well as Filipino
cuisine.
Entertainment and Culture
Metro Manila is the
center of entertainment and cultural activities. The premier venue for the
performing arts, the Cultural Center of the Philippines features world-class
performances by local and international guest artists. Museums located in
Manila and in some parts of the country offer a glimpse of Philippine
history and culture. Art galleries exhibit the works of the country's
leading and promising visual artists.
Manila's nightlife is one
of the most vibrant in Asia, reflecting the Filipinos' love for music. The
hubs of nightlife activities are the Remedios Circle in Malate, Ayala Center
and The Fort at Bonifacio Global City in Makati, Timog and Tomas Morato
Avenues in Quezon City, and Eastwood in Libis, Quezon City. Nightclubs,
music lounges, pubs, and sing-along bars feature Filipino bands and singers
who are known for their great musical talent. Deluxe hotels offer a variety
of live musical entertainment. Concerts and stage plays form part of the
country's entertainment scene.
For visitors who want to
try their luck at the gaming tables, there are casinos in Metro Manila and
in the cities of Angeles, Olongapo, Tagaytay, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, and
Laoag.
Shopping
Visitors can choose from
an exciting selection of great buys in a country known for export-quality
items at reasonable prices: South Sea pearls, hand-woven cloth, terracotta,
porcelain, coral and mother-of-pearl home accessories. Artifacts, pineapple
fiber shirts, prehistoric jars, native handicrafts, and footwear are
interesting items, too.
The Philippines also
produces fine basketry, furniture, fresh and processed fruits, exquisitely
crafted jewelry, and gift items made of shell, wood, and stone.
Big malls are located in
Manila, Makati and EDSA, while handicraft, antique and curio shops abound at
the Ermita District in Manila.
Communications Facilities
The country has
international and national direct dial phone and facsimile services, mobile
phone sites, Internet and e-mail facilities, and worldwide express delivery
service. The postal system is efficient. Most national dailies are in
English. Foreign publications are sold at major hotels, malls, and
bookstores in Metro Manila and key cities. There are 6 national television
stations which broadcast mainly in Filipino. Cable TV is available in many
hotels in Manila and in many parts of the country.
Convention Facilities
Manila, the pioneer
convention city in Asia, has played host to a number of prestigious
international events. The Philippine International Convention Center is
equipped with modern convention facilities and services. It can accommodate
4,000 delegates in its Plenary Hall and 5,700 persons in its Reception Hall.
The World Trade Center near the PICC can hold huge exhibitions and events.
Smaller meetings can be held in hotels and other establishments. Out-of-town
hotels and resorts are alternative convention sites.
Medical Services
Hospitals in the country
are equipped with modern facilities to meet any medical need. In some remote
towns and cities, clinics and health centers provide emergency medical
attention. Most hotels and resorts provide medical assistance. Hospitals are
listed in the "Yellow Pages" of the local telephone directory.
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