It is vital for the Filipinos that foreigners visiting the Philippines
acquire accurate information about the Islands and their people. The
Philippines are not generally known abroad, much less are the Filipinos
as a people, their degree of civilization and culture, their form of
government, their institutions. Hence, the need for a publication such
as this setting forth reliable items of information about the islands.
This booklet is a compendium of facts, not fancies--facts pertaining
to the country known as the Philippines and to the people known
as the Filipino people. They are facts that can be verified from
authentic sources.
The booklet is primarily intended for tourists, but to all other
foreigners seeking information on things Philippine, the booklet
will also be of invaluable help. It not only indicates the places of
interest throughout the archipelago but also gives a description of the
islands in general, of their people, history and government. Tangible
evidences of the readiness of the Filipinos for nationality are
described. The history of the whole nationalistic movement is given.
The Filipinos to-day are in control of their own government. They have
had practical autonomy since 1916. The only remaining link between
Washington and the Philippines is the Governor-General who is an
American appointed by the President of the United States representing
his country in the islands, and is the chief executive thereof.
The islands produce great quantities of sugar, hemp, copra, rice, corn
and tobacco. They are capable of producing besides, and are actually
beginning to produce, rubber, coffee, various food and medicinal
products, and a multitude of raw materials for every purpose. There are
also many hardwoods appropriate for elegant furniture in a variety of
natural colors not yet seen in any market. There are mines of gold,
copper and coal in operation. There are said to be creditable iron
and oil deposits.
There are plenty of wonderful harbors for ships of heavy tonnage. The
country is peaceful, the most peaceful perhaps in the world. A
courteous and hospitable people greet the foreigner wherever he goes.