Philippines
1979, 2005

Anak (mp3)


 


Roger I. Lim, MD CT Surgeon, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Manila, Philippines

 

The Philippines were ceded by Spain to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. They attained their independence in 1946 after being occupied by the Japanese in World War II. The 21-year rule of Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986 when a widespread popular rebellion forced him into exile. In 1992, the US closed down its last military bases on the islands. The Philippines has had two electoral presidential transitions since Marcos' removal by "people power." In January 2001, the Supreme Court declared Joseph ESTRADA unable to rule in view of mass resignations from his government and administered the oath of office to Vice President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO as his constitutional successor. The government continues to struggle with ongoing Muslim insurgencies in the south.
Location: Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam
13 00 N, 122 00 E
Population: 82,841,518 (July 2001 est.)
Area: total:  300,000 sq km
land:  298,170 sq km
water:  1,830 sq km
slightly larger than Arizona
Climate: tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)
Terrain: mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands
Elevation: lowest point:  Philippine Sea 0 m
highest point:  Mount Apo 2,954 m

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