It is a feature on the Earth's surface that is part of the terrain.

MAJOR LANDFORMS OF THE PHILIPPINES:

•PLAINS

•PLATEAUS

•MOUNTAINS

volcanic character of the archipelago made .

conclude

An important event in geologic history which took place some 200 million years ago. It was characterized by a world wide mountain building movement.

It was during this period that the outline of the Philippines was believed to have been brought for the first time above sea level.

This marked a period of mineralization in the country that gave rise to the deposits of gold, silver, and copper ores of which the diorite is the parent rock.

The salient physiographic or topographic features of the Philippines are briefly summarized as follows:

The irregular configuration of the Archipelago and its fragmentary character consisting of about 7 ,107 islands and islets;

The mountainous character of the islands running on a general north to south trend and in close proximity to the coastline;

The great extent of the coastline reaching a total of 17,460 kilometers, which is twice as long as that of the United States;

Sulu Sea which lies between Palawan and Mindanao is the largest internal body of water of the country;

The structural plains lying between mountain systems and the narrow and interrupted coastal plains;

The few large rivers and many streams which are short and swift, that descend to the sea;

The great variety of lake that are of diverse origin of which Laguna de Bay being the largest;

The big number of active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes among which Taal Volcano has the most violent eruptions;

The presence of coral reefs fringing the shores of most of the islands, and many islets are made up of corals; and

The vast extent of the territorial waters within the international treaty limits which comprises more than five times the land area.

The Lanao-Bukidnon plateau and the Tiruraytable land are the principal plateaus while the Cotabato Valley and the Agusan-Davao Lowland are the principal plains.

The coastal plains through-out Mindanao are also suitable for agriculture and are centers of settlements.

Plains, under proper climatic conditions, provide the most favorable sites for economic and social progress.

Plains are the lowlands of the continents

History tells us that the cradles of ancient civilization started in the delta of the Nile River and in the valleys of the Tigris-Euphrates Rivers

The topography of the land likewise affects the climatic condition of the place. The orientation and height of the mountain system affects the distribution of rainfall, local air currents, and temperature of the region

The topography of the land is the most important factor that limits its productivity

Landform is an important factor in human settlement and development.

Slope, which is an element of landform, is a critical factor. It is the angle of inclination of the land measured from the horizon.

A geographic region is an area in which there is some conspicuous unity in the expression of the natural and cultural setting.

. In the determination of the geographic regions of the Philippines several factors were considered such as landforms, location, culture and the political subdivisions of the country.

The Philippine Statistics present the statistics and relevant information of

the regions of the country. The 18 regions of the Philippines are divided

according to major island groups, landforms, and location of the

provinces.

Regions Population Land Area(sq. km) Density

NCR 11,855,975 611.39 19,000

CAR 1,616,867 19422.03 83

Ilocos Region 4,748,372 13,012.60 360

Cagayan Valley 3,229,163 28,228.83 110

Central Luzon 10,137,737 22,014.63 460

Calabarzon 12,609,803 16,873.31 750

Mimaropa 2,744,671 29,620.90 93

Bicol Region 5,420,411 18,155.82 300

Western Visayas 4,194,579 12,828.97 330

Negros Island 4,194,522 13,353.54 310

Central Visayas 5,513,514 10,102.16 550

Eastern Visayas 4,101,322 23,251.10 180

Zamboanga Region 3,407,353 17,056.73 200

Northern Mindanao 4,297,323 20,496.02 210

Davao Region 4,468,563 20,357.42 220

Soccsksargen 4,109,571 22,513.30 180

Caraga 2,429,224 21,478.35 110

ARMM 3,256,140 33,511.42 97

Regional studies will provide the basis for regional development which will in turn enhance national growth and progress.. This will provide opportunities for employment in the countryside and may reduce the so-called “brain drain” problem of the nation. This will also minimize migration to the National Capital Region which is already very thickly populated. Moreover, consumer goods that will satisfy human needs may be made available locally. This will minimize the country’s imports and thus, conserve our foreign exchange which can be utilized in the importance of more vital needs for the nation.