MOVING TO PHILIPPINES

Our Moving to Philippines Guide is available from upon request.

The Moving to Philippines Guide is available online and has been created to help expatriate families moving to Philippines.

The following pages are a sample of the type of information provided in the Moving to Philippines guide:

Receive The Full Moving To Philippines Guide

The following web pages are a stripped down version of the full information that you can access as an Interdean customer.

To receive your Moving to Philippines Guide for your relocation, make sure that you request your complimentary copy as part of your move quotation.

KEY FACTS

Official Name: Republic of the Philippines

Capital City: Manila

Type of Government: Republic

Official Languages: Filipino, based on Tagalog, English and Spanish

Area: 300,000 sq. km./116,000 sq. mi.

Population: 97.9 million

Religion: Roman Catholic 84%; Protestant 9%; Muslim 6%

Currency: Peso (P)

Number of Time Zones: 1

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) plus 8 hrs; Eastern Standard Time (EST) plus 13 hrs.

Weights and Measures: Metric system

Country Domain: .ph

Country Tel Code: 63

AT A GLANCE

Overview

The Philippines is the most Westernized of the Asian nations; nonetheless, it is important to note that ethnic and cultural differences give the country a character of its own, and that there are local customs and forms of behavior that expatriates must recognize and respect if they are to successfully live and work in this environment.

Life in the Philippines presents some unique challenges, but most can be overcome because of the availability of modern, familiar goods and services. The hot, humid climate, however, takes some getting used to, and results in a more casual life-style than many Westerners are accustomed to. English is widely used in both spoken and written communications. Indeed, English is the major language of business, government, legal transactions, and education.

The time zone in the Philippines is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) plus 8 hours, or Eastern Standard Time (EST) plus 13 hours.

Manila

Metro Manila, the capital, is grouped into four districts composed of fourteen cities, including Quezon, Caloocan, Pasay, Pasig, Makati, and Manila cities as well as several minor municipalities. The center of the country’s economic and political activity, Metro Manila – sometimes referred to as the Greater Manila area – is densely populated with over ten million people, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world.

Economy and politics

The infrastructure was almost totally devastated during World War II, when Japan invaded and occupied the Philippines. The postwar years have been beset with economic and political problems. Ferdinand Marcos, who became president in 1965, initially brought peace and prosperity to the islands. However, by the 1980s the Marcos regime, largely ignoring the constitution adopted in 1948, had become increasingly dictatorial and corrupt and the country heavily in debt. Finally, with the election of 1986, Marcos was removed from power and fled the country.

The 1987 constitution, implemented after Marcos’ defeat, provides for executive, legislative and judicial branches. The president is elected for a six-year term and cannot be reelected. In 2001, Vice-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was sworn in as a constitutional successor to President Joseph Estrada when he was forced to step down. Arroyo, an economist, won a second term in the 2004 election.

There is a bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives (Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan) and a Senate (Senado). The real legislative power, however, is vested in the House of Representatives, which not only initiates and enacts laws, but has the power to implement them as well. The legal system is based on Spanish and Anglo-American law, with a judicial branch made up of a Supreme Court and various appellate and local courts.

There are many political parties in the Philippines; over 30 hold at least one seat in the House of Representatives. The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, or Lakas-CMD, currently holds 79 seats, the most of any party. President Arroyo is also a member of Lakas-CMD. They are a somewhat conservative party with an ideology similar to that of North American conservative parties, such as the Republican Party in the United States. The next largest party is the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), which holds 40 seats, and rules in a coalition government with Lakas-CMD. The largest opposition party is the Liberal Party, which holds 34 seats.

The birth rate of just over two percent presents a challenge for the government in terms of employment – estimates project a doubling of the population in around thirty years. Many Filipinos, unable to find employment at home, travel to other countries to find work.

Despite political and economic problems, business activity proceeds at a steady pace. The government encouraged the sale of state-owned properties to raise additional revenues to finance education and health services, and pay for improvements in the country’s infrastructure. It has also established a number of free economic zones and industrial parks.

UNDERSTANDING THE PEOPLE

Primarily of Malay descent, most Filipinos are Christian and deeply religious. There are over 97 million people on over 7,000 islands, making it one of the largest English-speaking countries in the world. It is a young population, with approximately 35 percent of the people under the age of 15 and only 4 percent over 65. The annual birth rate is around 2.5 percent.

In addition to being influenced by religious factors, Filipinos have the traditional Asian belief in large families as a way of protecting the family line. Hence, official government efforts to control population growth through public and privately funded family planning programs meet strong, if largely passive, resistance.

Westerners should be aware that the terms used in reference to the population are gender-related. While men are called Filipinos, women are correctly called Filipinas. Filipino is also the term used in referring to the general population.

Culture

Over time, the Philippines have been subject to the influence of Chinese, Malayan, Spanish, and U.S. cultures. Even today, some aspects of these can be noted from time to time throughout Filipino society. Above all, the Filipinos are a people who place their greatest allegiance in the family. They are friendly and enjoy a good time, but never risk embarrassment to the family. Regard for elders and ancestors is important, and on religious holidays such as All Saints Day the cemeteries are filled with families tidying graves and lighting candles for the departed.

Somewhat fatalistic, Filipinos sometimes resist taking chances or making changes that could bring shame should they result in failure. Shame on the part of an individual is a reflection upon the family, and is to be avoided. The Filipino concept of fatalism has been said to be best expressed in the saying, “Bahala na.” Roughly translated, this means “Accept what comes and bear it with hope and patience.” Social and religious customs are to an extent perpetuated in deference to highly respected parents and elders, as changing such patterns might be regarded as ingratitude.

Americans who fought beside Filipinos in the Pacific during World War II remember that they were tough, durable fighters who were more than a match for the Japanese in brutal Philippine jungle warfare. Filipinos fought the Spanish, then the Americans, and then the Japanese to achieve independence as a nation, and feel considerable pride in what they have achieved.

Philippine crafts are famous for style and attractiveness, and are sold in some of the finest stores around the world. The national culture is well illustrated in the highly decorative visual arts of the weavers, carvers, potters, woodworkers, and metalworkers of the country.

There is an active Filipino school of art that is currently flourishing, particularly in the galleries in and around Manila. While much of the focus is on ethnically relevant subjects, abstract and impressionist themes are also very much pursued.

Ethnic make-up

The Filipino people are largely of Malay descent, with persons of mixed blood now comprising a very large proportion of the population. Over 90 percent are Christian Malay, while approximately 4 percent are Muslim Malay – or Moros. Roughly 2 percent are Chinese, and the remainder belong to a number of small indigenous ethnic groups of Malay descent. While most segments of the population are scattered throughout the islands, the indigenous peoples tend to inhabit traditional tribal lands, and the Muslims, who are of Arabian heritage, are concentrated in the Sulu Archipelago and western Mindanao.

Religion

The Philippines is the only predominantly Christian country in Asia. Over 90 percent of the population claims to be Christian, and over 80 percent of them are Roman Catholic. Six percent of Christians belong to the Philippine Independent Church, and 3 percent to other Christian denominations. To the South on Mindanao is a devout Muslim population. Among the multitude of tribal Filipinos living on less-populated islands are many fundamentalist religious sects. There are also a number of Buddhists living in the country.

The country has an estimated 17,000 faith healers, all practicing various kinds of non-traditional medicine and claiming cures. Many tens of thousands of people suffering from everything from blindness to cancer fly into the Philippines looking for remedies. Quite a few, according to reputable medical witnesses, seem to be walking away feeling better, if not cured.

Language

Almost all Filipinos speak some English as well as the national language, Pilipino/Tagalog, which is a Malay dialect from Luzon with Spanish, Arabic, English and Sanskrit influences.

Both languages are taught at the same time in Philippine schools, but English is the basic language of business, government, schools, and everyday communication at a certain socioeconomic level. Few people speak Spanish anymore. The Philippines also has over 100 small linguistic, cultural, and ethnic groups speaking over 70 languages, most of which have little relation to each other.

Despite the widespread use of English, proficiency varies widely according to the individual’s educational level and the degree to which the language is used in the course of daily activities. Even in the large cities, it is not uncommon to meet persons whose level of English comprehension is at best minimal.

Attitudes

Toward foreigners

There is a very open and receptive business climate toward western nations in the Philippines, as Filipinos are travelers themselves, and many spend substantial time in North America and Europe. Many are educated in the West. Americans, especially, have a warm spot in the Filipino’s hearts because of mutual relations and involvement during World War ll. This gives Americans and other westerners some edge over their Japanese competitors, against whom a residual antipathy persists because of the Japanese army’s conduct during the wartime occupation. This is, however, lessening with the passage of time and the aging of the population.

While educated Filipinos speak English as well as they speak Tagalog, you may want to learn a few phrases in Pilipino. The Filipinos will be flattered by your effort. Mabuhay, the first word you will hear, means “welcome” and “long live.” Po and ho are traditional expressions of respect, used every day in addressing elders. Salamat, meaning “thank you,” will bring a smile every time.

Toward hierarchy

Only chief executives have the power to make decisions. The speed with which those decisions are executed is governed, however, by numerous variables: the physical and mechanical limitations imposed by the country’s climate, the vagaries of nature such as typhoons, torrential rains, mudslides, earthquakes, blackouts, and brownouts; the bureaucracy,; and a certain degree of a manana attitude.

Most important, are the effects of family commitments and responsibilities, almost always involving some member of the executive’s extended family. Since his commitment to you is assumed to be lifelong, the most extended form of logic also gives him a lifetime to honor it.

Even the occasional business visitor may find himself absorbed into this extended family. You may be assigned, for example, the role of ninong (godfather) or ninang (godmother) for the child of a business partner or acquaintance, and find yourself bouncing a toddler on you knee. Such a relationship is not to be taken lightly. The Filipinos are quite serious when offering such a gesture, and expect that the accompanying responsibilities will be honored.

Toward women

One of the more Western attitudes of the Philippine business community is the acceptance of women in positions of authority. By and large, Filipino women enjoy total equality with men and have held administrative and managerial positions in business and government for years. The business community is very accepting and welcoming to foreign businesswomen and treat them similarly to their male counterparts.

It is also considered perfectly acceptable for unescorted women to dine together and have social lives without the presence of a male. However, some Filipino men continue to exhibit the Latin concept of “Machismo”, and comments by men about women passing on the street are not uncommon. These should be completely ignored, as in western countries.

Toward work

The relative importance of work, versus time with family, is skewed in favor of the family. Further, due to the importance of social factors in the Philippine business world, even the most industrious businessman sometimes prefers to do business on the golf course or over a leisurely lunch or evening at a nightclub.

CITIES

Cebu City

Cebu City, the provincial capital of Cebu, is the second largest metropolitan complex in the Philippines. About 800,000 residents live within the city. A popular business and tourist destination, it has modern shopping malls, first class hotels, and amenities.

Cebu is also a major agricultural and manufacturing center. Industries include coal mining, textile production, and sugar refining. It is the main domestic shipping hub, and the most important place of trade and commerce in the southern part of the country.

Davao City

On the island of Mindanao, Davao is home to most of the Philippine Muslim population, and ethnic tribes like the Bagabo, the Manobo, the Mandaya, and the Mansaka. Six hundred miles southeast of Manila, it is the second largest city in the Philippines with over 1.7 million people. It is one of the world’s largest cities in terms of land area, making Davao less densely populated than many major urban areas. It has a deep natural harbor and is a center for shipping goods to and from Mindanao.

Davao is surrounded by banana plantations and is famed for its tropical fruit, notably the foul-smelling durian. There is even a statue of this spiky plant in front of the town hall. Davao has become an important Philippine conference center, second only to Manila.

Manila

Mania, the capital of the Philippines, is located on the island of Luzon. Around 14 million people live in and around this sprawling city. The city itself has a population of 1.7 million.

The metropolitan Manila area is composed of 17 cities and municipalities. It is the country’s principal port and the center of its financial, commercial, industrial, and cultural life. It also serves as the regional center for all of the northern provinces. For most business visitors, the two most important sections are Quezon City, the former capital and home of many government offices, and Makati, which is the financial hub of the city and a center for the best hotels.

First time visitors to Manila may be struck by the gray – almost black – color of some of the more modern concrete buildings. While some of this coloration is due to pollution from auto exhaust fumes, the main part stems from the dark gray volcanic soil that is used in the mixing of the cement for construction.

Air pollution is a major problem due to the high numbers of motor vehicles. Traffic jams are routine, as are delays of two and three hours in getting to work. The municipal government is attempting to reduce pollution by banning the use of cars in the city between the hours of 0700 and 1900 on certain days, according to the numbers on their license plates. So far, this has had only minimal effect. Additional highways and an expansion of the overhead rapid transit system are under construction. Many middle and upper class Filipinos have houses or condos in the new suburbs of Manila, which they go to on the weekend, to escape the city’s polluted air and hot summer weather. As with many large cities, crime and overpopulation are also problems.

Zamboanga

Known as the “land of flowers,” this slightly seedy but colorful port city on Mindanao is a bustling trade center crowded with dilapidated cargo vessels that trade with Borneo and the islands of the Sulu Sea. With a population of over 750,000, it is the 6th largest city in the Philippines. Agriculture and fishing make up a large segment of the local economy; in particular, seaweed farming is a major industry.

Zamboanga has a large Muslim population. The local dialect is chabacano, a mixture of Spanish and mixture of many other native dialects. Major languages spoken are Filipino, English, and Chinese.

CLIMATE

The weather is tropical – hot and humid. There are two seasons: the dry months from November through May, and the wet months from June through October. Typhoons, the Pacific equivalent of hurricanes, are possible during the rainy months. These can sometimes be quite severe, and in the past have led to significant damage and loss of life.

In December, 2003, mudslides triggered by heavy rains – and attributed in part to deforestation – claimed the lives of hundreds of people in small villages in rural Leyte province, in central Philippines.

Modern buildings are generally quite safe however, and only rural areas or sections with flimsy structures can currently be expected to suffer the most severe damage.

The mean annual temperature is 27C/80F in the lowlands. May is the hottest month in Manila, averaging 24 to 34C/73 to 93F. Manila’s coolest month is January, at 21 to 30C/70 to 86F. The highlands are 10 to 15F cooler than Manila.

Information provided in association with Living Abroad