ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES
The Philippines is located in the SW Pacific Ocean, in the Malay Archipelago off the SE Asia mainland. It comprises over 7,000 islands, extending 1,152 mi (1,855 km) from north to south, between Taiwan and Borneo, and 688 mi (1,108 km) from east to west. Approximately 400 are permanently inhabited. The 11 largest islands; Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Mindoro, Leyte, Cebu Bohol, and Masbate, contain about 95% of the total land area. l city of Manila is located in Luzon. 
The Philippines are chiefly of volcanic origin. Narrow coastal plains, wide valleys, volcanoes, dense forests, and mineral and hot springs further characterize the larger islands. Earthquakes are common.The Philippines are entirely within the tropical zone. Manila, with a mean daily temperature of 79.5°F (26. 4°C), is typical of the climate of the lowland areas. The highlands, however, have a mean annual temperature of 64°F (17.8°C).
The republic is divided into 72 provinces and 61 chartered cities. In addition to Manila, other important centers are Quezon City , also on Luzon; Cebu, on Cebu Island; Iloilo , on Panay; Davao and Zamboanga , on Mindanao; and Jolo, on Jolo Island in the Sulu Archipelago. With their tropical climate, heavy rainfall, and naturally fertile volcanic soil, the Philippines are predominantly agricultural. Rice, corn, and coconuts take up about 80% of all cropland. Livestock and fishing are common occupations.
Manufacturing is concentrated in metropolitan Manila, near the nation's prime port. Textiles, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals are manufactured, and the assembly of electronics and automobiles is important. Other industries include food processing and petroleum refining. Chief exports are electronics and telecommunications equipment, lumber and plywood, machinery, garments, coconut products, copper, and sugar. The chief trading partners are the United States and Japan.
The great majority of the people of the Philippines belong to the Malay group and are known as Filipinos. Other groups include the Negritos and the Dumagats. There is also a small Chinese minority. The Filipinos live mostly in the lowlands and constitute one of the largest Christian groups in Asia. Roman Catholicism is professed by over 80% of the population.
Some 70 native languages are spoken in the Philippines. The official national language is Pilipino. A considerable number of Filipinos speak English, the nation's second language.
ABOUT PALAWAN
Palawan, an island province southwest of Manila, is revered as one of the Philippines' and Asia 's most haunting and final frontiers. Palawan, the country's last environmental frontier, is blessed with 1,780 islands and islets most of which have irregular coastlines that make excellent harbors. Thick forests covering these steepIy slopedmountains assure adequate watersheds for rivers and streams. Palawan is surrounded by a coral shelf that abounds with varied and colorful marine life, hence the island province has been declared a nature sanctuary. The province boasts of extraordinary scenic wonders like El Nido, St. Paul Underground River, Tabon Caves and Honda Bay Islands.Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan.
HISTORY
The history of Palawan may be traced back 22,000 years ago as confirmed by the discovery of fossils of the Tabon cave man in Quezon, Palawan. Although the origin of the cave dwellers is not yet established, anthropologists believe these came from Borneo traveling across the land bridge that connected Palawan with Borneo. The similarity of Palawan's flora and fauna with that of Borneo fostered this belief. There are several versions regarding the origin of the name "Palawan". Some contend that it was derived from the Chinese word Pa lao yu" meaning" Land of the Beautiful Harbours". Others believe that it came from the Indian word 'Palawas' meaning territory. Still others believe that it was derived from a plant which the natives called 'Palwa'. But the popular belief is that "Palawan" is a corrupted form of the Spanish word "Paragua" because the main island's shape resembles a closed umbrella.
GEOGRAPHY
Palawan has a land area of l,489,655 hectares. It reclines between Mindoro and North Borneo Islands. Palawan is approximately 586 kilometers southwest of Manila. The island province extends toward the southwest forming a partial land bridge between Mindoro and North Borneo. The western side of the island faces South China Sea. Palawan's important islands are Busuanga, Culion, Linapacan, Cuyo, Dumaran, Cagayanes and Balabac. The mountain ranges average 3,500 feet in attitude with the highest peak rising to 6,800 feet at Mount Matalingahan. On both sides are virgin islands with rivers and streams serviceable for irrigation. The vast mountains are the source of valuable timber. Palawan's main island measures 425 kilometers long and averages 40 kilometers wide. Palawan has 1,959 kilometers of coastline which is mostly irregular and thus make excellent harbors. Puerto Princesa, the capital city, is the chief seaport and the center of trade and commerce.
CLIMATE
The province has two types of climate: the first type which occurs in the northern and southern extremities and the entire western coast has two distinct seasons - six months dry and six months wet. The other type, which prevails in the eastern coast, has short dry season of one to three months and no pronounced rainy period during the rest of the year. The southern part of the province is practically free from typhoons but the northern part has persistent gales and torrential rains during July and August.