"Three hundred and fifty years in a convent followed by fifty years in Hollywood." This is the way one observer has described the profound impact of over three centuries of Spanish colonialism and over four decades of American political control on the culture of the Philippines.

It is indeed true that evidence of Spanish rule can be found everywhere in the Philippines, from the architecture and the surnames to the predominance of Catholicism. In addition, the continuing close relationship between the Philippines and the United States, and the assimilation of American cultural icons into Philippine society, create an especially accessible and welcoming environment for Americans. However, both the Spanish and American influences constitute a thin veneer over the deep-rooted foundations of Malay culture, which, more than anything else, define Filipino society. The resulting mix is a rich and colorful tapestry that is more complicated than it may appear on the surface, occasionally confusing and frustrating, but always interesting.

A tour in the Philippines provides a rare opportunity to gain a more thorough appreciation of the richness and diversity of a unique society in Southeast Asia.

The Host Country

Area, Geography, and Climate Last Updated: 1/26/2004 9:58 PM

The Philippines is composed of 7,107 separate islands (7,106 during high tide), only 880 of which are inhabited. The three major geographical areas in the Philippines are the large island of Luzon in the north, which includes Manila; the large island of Mindanao in the south; and the group of islands lying between them, known as the Visayas. The three stars on the Philippine flag symbolize these three areas.

The island geography of the Philippines includes about 21,000 miles of natural coastline. Much of the coastal area is rugged and irregular, punctuated by numerous natural harbors and picturesque coves. The Philippines also has some of the most spectacular beaches to be found in the South Pacific. Sites that would live up to anyone's fantasy of a pristine South Pacific paradise of white sand beaches and crystal blue waters, they are a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Unfortunately, the heavy pollution and rocky coastline of Manila Bay render the metro Manila area itself unsuited for leisurely Sundays at the beach.

The interior of the country is generally mountainous, with several mountain peaks reaching almost 10,000 feet. In addition, the Philippines has extensive fertile plains along the coast and in the center of the country. It also features lush and scenic rolling hills, with rich valleys crossed by rivers. There are numerous volcanoes in the country, and some are frequently active. The most recent and infamous example was the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo on June 12, 1991, which was the largest volcanic eruption of the century. The Mt. Pinatubo eruption permanently altered the topography of northern Luzon and continues to cause flood control problems.

Minor earth tremors occur frequently. In 1969 and 1970, major earthquakes hit Manila, resulting in moderate damage and some loss of life. In January 1982, an earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale hit Northern Bicol. In August 1983, an earthquake measuring 5.7 occurred in Ilocos Norte. Both caused extensive property damage and loss of life. On July 16, 1990, one of the largest and most destructive earthquakes ever to hit the Philippines struck in Central Luzon. At its epicenter near Cabanatuan, it measured 8.0 on the Richter scale. This "killer earthquake" caused great destruction and loss of life in Baguio and some other cities of Central Luzon but did not seriously damage Manila.

The Philippines is a country rich with unique tropical rain forests and coral reefs. It has been referred to as the Galapagos Islands times ten. It hosts more than 510 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians that exist nowhere else on earth. The country is also on the East Asian Migratory Flyway for birds that travel from the south pole to the north pole and back again each year. The Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, just minutes from Cebu City, has won international ecotourism awards for its educational tours and conservation efforts. Scuba diving and snorkeling on the biologically diverse coral reefs are also popular activities, with good resorts and coral reefs within driving distance from Manila.

Illegal logging, over-fishing, and destructive fishing practices (e.g., use of dynamite and cyanide) threaten the forests and coral reefs. Less than 18% of the land area remains covered by forests-only about 5 million hectares. And only 800,000 hectares of this forest is considered old growth forest. These natural resources provide the basis for food security and employment for millions of Filipinos. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other partners are working to strengthen the ability of local governments and communities to protect these forests and coastal resources.

The Philippines has a tropical climate, but it is marginally less hot and humid than many tropical countries for most of the year. Although the sun shines almost year round, there are slight seasonal variations in the weather. The dry summer season, which runs from about late April to early June, is comparable to summer in Washington, D.C. - i.e., hot and humid and with little rainfall. Many Americans find the heat during this period too intense to enjoy outdoor activities. The typhoon season runs from June to September, with frequent drenching rains that can temper the heat somewhat but also preclude any outdoor activities. The downpours are often limited in duration, but the resulting flash floods can create chaos by blocking streets, stranding motorists, and bringing the already congested traffic of Manila to a virtual standstill. The most pleasant season follows the rainy season, from November until March. During this time of year, mornings can be fresh, and even the midday temperatures remain bearable, with frequent breezes that temper the heat. Most Americans will find it enjoyable to engage in outdoor recreational activities during this time of year. However, even when the temperature is at its most pleasant, the poor quality of the air in Manila may preclude many outdoor activities, particularly for those individuals with respiratory trouble.

The temperature range in Manila is relatively narrow, with minimum temperatures in the mid-70s and highs in the mid-90s, and an annual mean of about 80°F. Average relative humidity ranges from 69% in April to 84% in August or September. The warm and humid climate of the Philippines can lead to problems with mold and mildew. Air-conditioning in the Embassy and all staff housing alleviates serious problems, but any valuable items, such as furniture, rugs, cameras, books, etc., must be watched carefully for mildew. A home dehumidifier is useful in storage rooms, particularly during the wet season, and many closets have light bulb sockets. A light bulb of about 100 watts usually generates enough heat to suppress mildew. The tropical climate is also a breeding ground for fungal and ear infections, especially for swimmers. In addition, most Americans in the Philippines will suffer from some sort of respiratory discomfort during their stay here, which is often compounded by the poor air quality. Manila is a particularly inhospitable climate for those with asthma or other chronic respiratory ailments.

The usual tropical insects abound throughout the Philippines and are especially prevalent in rural areas and during the rainy season. The mosquito nuisance in Manila is at a tolerable level and is less than most Americans would expect in a tropical climate. In addition, the mosquitoes in the Manila, Baguio, Cebu, and Davao area are of the non-malarial, nuisance variety. Anyone visiting rural areas overnight, however, should consult the Embassy Medical Unit about the need for anti-malarial precautions. Mosquitoes can also carry dengue fever during certain times of the year, including in Manila's residential neighborhoods.

Cockroaches and ants are a common problem in Embassy housing. Residents are advised to keep sweets and breads in the refrigerator so that they do not attract insects. Regular spraying of Embassy residences usually keeps the pests to a tolerable level, however. The small lizards that often make their homes on the walls and ceilings of Embassy housing are harmless and can be useful, since they eat mosquitoes and other insects.

Baguio, the original summer capital of the Philippines, is located 155 miles north of Manila at an altitude of about 5,000 feet. The climate varies between the dry and the very wet season, each lasting about six months. The dry season runs from December to May, with temperatures ranging from the 50s and 60s at night to highs in the mid-80s during the day. Baguio averages 176 inches of rainfall a year, about half of which falls in July and August alone. The rains begin tapering off in September and are light in October and November.

Baguio traditionally has been a popular destination for Mission employees to escape the heat and pollution of Manila. The U.S. Embassy maintains an official residence in Baguio that includes a large and elegant main house and a cabin, surrounded by fragrant pine trees. Embassy personnel are entitled to use these facilities, when they are not needed for representational purposes.

Population Last Updated: 1/26/2004 9:59 PM

The Philippines is inhabited by about 80 million people of varying races, traditions, cultures, and religious beliefs, speaking 87 different dialects. The island geography of the Philippines has created a number of distinct and separate cultural and linguistic groups, and inhabitants of different areas of the country identify closely with their home provinces.

Filipinos can be divided into four major religious/cultural groups: Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and indigenous groups. Catholics and Protestants comprise over 90% of the population and are generally found in the lowlands. Some 80% of Filipinos are Roman Catholic. About 9% belong to the Philippine Independent (or Aglipayan) Church, the indigenous Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ), and various Protestant faiths. Muslims comprise about 5% of the population and are concentrated on the southern island of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. The fourth group, composed of indigenous mountain peoples (Igorot, Ifugao, Negrito, and Mangyan), is found in the mountainous interior areas of the country.

Anyone who has spent time in the Philippines will agree that its people are one of the country's great natural resources. Filipinos are noted for their warmth, friendliness, and hospitality. Philippine nationalism can at times be tinged with an anti-American flavor because of the U.S. colonial past. However, these tensions subsided with the removal of the American military bases in the early 1990s. Americans and American culture are generally respected and admired by Filipinos, and most Filipinos are eager to develop friendships with Americans who live in the country. It is very easy during a tour in the Philippines to develop strong personal relationships with minimum effort, and most Americans will find that Filipinos share many of their hobbies and interests. Filipinos enjoy socializing and are extremely generous in sharing their culture with American guests.

Working with the Filipino employees in the Embassy is one of the high points of a tour in Manila. The Embassy is fortunate to have some of the best local employees to be found anywhere in the Foreign Service, combining a strong work ethic and professionalism with a pleasant, friendly demeanor.

Because of America's historical relationship with the Philippines, Filipinos have an especially keen interest in travel and immigration to the United States. Anyone who works at the Embassy, regardless of his or her position, is presumed to have knowledge of and influence over the visa process, and it is not unusual for the subject of visas to come up in conversation with even casual acquaintances. The Filipino tradition of helping those who have helped you often makes it difficult for Filipino friends to understand why it is impossible for Americans to pull strings to arrange a visa. Maintaining a sense of humor about such encounters, along with professional integrity, is a must.

Social customs of the people of Manila are superficially Western, but Americans should keep in mind that the underlying culture is Asian. The society is cosmopolitan, but not nearly as international or heterogeneous as in other major Southeast Asian cities such as Singapore or Hong Kong. Western clothing styles are common, but many locals (and some Americans) adhere to traditional Filipino dress, which is more appropriate to the sultry local weather, especially on formal occasions.

The family remains at the heart of Philippine culture. Filipinos have a strong sense of family cohesion and responsibility. Women in the Philippines are highly educated, well respected, and generally share an equal status with men, both in the home and in the workplace. American visitors will be impressed by the preeminence of female leaders in business, commerce and politics throughout the Philippines. At the same time, however, women are exploited in bars and sometimes trafficked as prostitutes.

English remains one of the official languages of the Philippines, along with Tagalog. English is the common language of business, commerce, and higher education, and many leading newspapers, magazines, and a few TV and radio programs are in English. However, Tagalog is the predominant language in everyday life in many parts of Luzon, including Manila. In addition, Filipinos from other areas speak a native dialect, with Tagalog taking a back seat to a more familiar second language, such as Cebuano, Ilongo, Bicolano, or Ilocano. In numerical terms, Cebuano is the native language for more Filipinos than Tagalog.

There has been a marked decline in the use of standard English in the Philippines in recent years, especially among the lower classes, and many Americans will find the brand of English spoken by Filipinos hard to understand at first. A combination of Tagalog and English, called "Taglish," is the standard language used in everyday life in the Philippines and on TV and radio programs. There is a noticeable gap between the level of spoken English, which is generally excellent among educated Filipinos, and the standard of written English, which tends to lag behind. It is at times challenging and frustrating to communicate with those in the service industry in Manila, such as taxi drivers, store clerks and waiters, particularly in light of the Filipinos' propensity to say 'yes' to any statement they do not understand. Americans should remember that their brand of English sounds different to Filipino ears, so they should speak slowly and politely. It is increasingly useful for Americans in the Philippines to have at least some knowledge of Tagalog.

Public Institutions Last Updated: 1/26/2004 9:59 PM

The Filipino people made history in early 2001 with "People Power 2," the non-violent ouster of President Joseph Estrada. Then-Vice-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was sworn in as President, following days of large, peaceful demonstrations calling for Estrada's resignation in the wake of corruption charges. (The original "People Power" movement refers to the EDSA Revolution of 1986, in which Corazon Aquino's followers successfully demanded the removal of President Ferdinand Marcos.) Americans who experienced either of these peaceful revolutions were impressed by the ability of the masses to affect a change in their government simply through sheer numbers and persistence.

After Mrs. Aquino assumed the presidency in 1986, a new constitution was ratified, which returned the Philippines from the Marcos dictatorship to an American-style presidential system. The national government is divided into executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Despite occasional attempts to destabilize the government, democracy, Philippine-style, is alive and well, but is less efficient, more corrupt, and more personality driven than the American model.

Each of the People Power revolutions in the Philippines resulted in tremendous optimism and ambitious plans for reform. Goals included the elimination of corruption in the government, and economic improvements that would lead to greater foreign investment in the Philippines. Unfortunately, successive administrations have been unable to deliver on many of these goals. As of the winter of 2004, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is still striving to improve the standard of living and economic conditions in the Philippines.

The Executive Branch is composed of the President, who serves for a single six-year term, and his or her cabinet, consisting of the Secretaries of government departments. (Note: Under the Constitution, President Arroyo may seek another full term in the2004 national elections.) The bicameral legislature consists of the Senate, with 24 nationally elected members, and the House of Representatives, with up to 250 members elected by local constituencies and through a party-list system designed to increase the participation of under-represented sectors. Judicial power is vested in a 15-member Supreme Court and lower courts that operate on a hybrid of the American system of common law and the European version of civil law.

The national government maintains branch offices of its executive departments in provinces, cities, and towns across the country. However, these local jurisdictions elect their own officials and manage most of their own affairs. Administratively, the 79 provinces are divided into 15 regions plus the Manila National Capital Region.

President Arroyo made a state visit to Washington in May 2003; President Bush reciprocated in a successful state visit to Manila in October 2003. These visits highlighted our common struggle against global and local terrorism, and our bilateral and multilateral efforts to bring peace and development to conflict-affected areas in the Philippines.

The Philippine Government has had limited success in implementing a constitutionally mandated program of regional autonomy in the south, where the Muslim population is concentrated, and in northern Luzon, where sizable cultural minorities live in mountainous areas. However, separatist groups, such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Jemaah Islamiyah, continue to pose a threat to the stability of Mindanao. The violence associated with Muslim rebels has been confined mostly to certain parts of Mindanao, though its impact occasionally has been felt in Manila. The New People's Army, a communist insurgency, operates in various parts of the country, including Manila, inflicting "revolutionary taxes" on political figures, judges, businesses and the general population. Overall, however, travel for tourism in many parts of the country is safe, and Mission employees enjoy frequent domestic travel with family members. Americans are advised to heed the travel advisories of the Regional Security Office with regard to Mindanao and certain other areas of the country.

Arts, Science, and Education Last Updated: 1/26/2004 10:00 PM

Arts. Before the independence of East Timor, the Philippines was East Asia's only predominantly Christian country. Western ideas and values have strongly influenced its arts, which are diverse and robust. In Manila, for example, there are two ballet companies, two symphony orchestras, and strong drama and musical theater presentations --many of them in English -- including a long-running production of the musical "Miss Saigon." In addition, foreign companies and international artists perform throughout the year.

The Sciences. The government and university administrations realize that they must strengthen their scientific institutions in order to keep pace with the international scientific community. Despite insufficient resources, the country is progressing in some scientific fields. The Department of Science and Technology actively supports academic science. For example, Philippine scientists, working with their international counterparts at the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños, developed new strains of miracle rice that made many countries self-sufficient in rice production.

Increasingly, Philippine scientists are working with their international colleagues on such critical issues as environmental degradation, energy and water conservation, reforestation, and pollution control and abatement. Phenomena such as El Niño have given even more urgency to the push to institute conservation measures. However, distilling scientific research into practicable policies remains a great challenge.

Filipinos are known as talented computer programmers. AOL's International Help Line facility, manned by 900 employees, is located just north of Manila. In addition, the so-called "Love Bug" computer virus originated in Manila.

Education. The Philippines is home to an extraordinary number of educational institutions. According to the Department of Education, there are 10,666 preschool institutions, 41,288 elementary schools, 7,890 secondary schools, and 1,479 colleges and universities, 272 of which are public institutions. Though more teachers are needed to respond to the rapidly growing population of the country, the number of professional teachers is large. There are 354,063 elementary teachers, 119,235 secondary teachers, and 93,884 university- and college-level instructors. Unfortunately, the quality of instruction in public schools at all levels suffers due to severe overcrowding, lack of resources and insufficient preparation of teachers. Nevertheless, both the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education are working on strategies to improve education at all levels, and USAID, PAO, and the Peace Corps are now providing some assistance in this area.

Commerce and Industry Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:23 AM

From the end of the Marcos era in 1986 to the present, the Philippine economy has begun a gradual transformation from inward to outward looking. In the face of political upheavals, external shocks such as the Asian financial crisis, and natural disasters such as the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, successive administrations have managed gradually to lower trade barriers, privatize government corporations, reform financial markets, and ease restrictions on foreign investment. During this period, national income (GDP) increased by an average of 3% per year. Annual population growth of around 2.5% per year, however, has meant that the Philippines has fallen behind most of its Asian neighbors, including China, in terms of per capita income.

Services make up about half of the Philippine's national income, while industry accounts for 35% and agriculture the remaining 15%. One bright spot in the services sector has been the success of information technology firms, while investments made by electronic components manufacturers have boosted industrial output. Agricultural workers, however, make up about 45% of the work force, with service workers at about 40% and factory labor at only 15%. Agriculture remains inefficient in the Philippines, with so much of the labor force accounting for so little national income, in large part because the economic reforms of the last 15 years have not extended to this sector. Agricultural tariffs are still high (in many cases over 50%), and ineffective land reform efforts have reduced many landowners to sustenance farming.

Over 30% of the Philippine population is poor, with the highest incidence of poverty among households engaged in agriculture. This rural poverty has led to rapid urbanization, as farmers move to Manila, Cebu, Davao, and other cities in search of higher salaries. These aspirations often do not pan out, and many arrivals from the countryside end up in city slums, such as the ones along the Pasig River or railroad tracks in Manila, living in conditions worse than those they left behind.

Economic liberalization in the Philippines has pushed the country to extend its formal international economic links. The Philippines is one of the founding members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and is also a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Through these organizations, the Philippines has pledged to continue lowering trade and investment barriers. Meanwhile, bilateral trade and investment relations between the United States and the Philippines are broad and deep. The United States is the Philippines' largest trading partner, while the Philippines is the United States' 20th largest partner. The United States is also the largest foreign investor in the Philippines.

The outlook for the Philippine economy is mixed. Some of the immediate benefits of economic reform already have been realized, such as the beginnings of trade and investment liberalization. The challenge will be to sustain those efforts, while moving forward with more difficult changes such as agricultural and tax reform. There is also a broad range of legislative, bureaucratic, and judicial reforms that will be needed to combat corruption and improve governance and transparency in all sectors and at all levels of government. In addition, the government needs to expand and improve its efforts to provide basic services, such as education (to ensure a steady flow of skilled, English-speaking workers prepared to enter the 21st century world of e-business) and infrastructure (so that exporters can get their goods from the factory or field to the airport or harbor).

The Philippines has the lowest percentage of paved roads among countries in the Association of Southeast Asian nations, including Indonesia. It also has fewer telephone lines than Thailand or Malaysia, and power costs are high. Some economists believe that the Philippines was unable to match the economic growth rate of its Asian neighbors over the last decade in part because the country's infrastructure could not handle the strain of more business.

Transportation Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:24 AM

Traffic is a major concern throughout Metro Manila. Along with bad air quality, traffic is a primary contributing factor to Manila's hardship differential. It is impossible to truly appreciate the traffic in Manila without experiencing it firsthand. Getting around Manila at any time of the day or night can be a stressful and daunting task, and, as a result, some people simply choose to stay home and avoid certain parts of the city rather than face Manila traffic.

It is difficult to predict when and where a major traffic jam might occur in the congested city streets, and a Manila traffic jam can mean sitting literally immobile for long stretches, surrounded on all sides by exhaust-belching buses and jeepneys. Industrious Filipino youths stroll among the stranded drivers, selling food, drinks, and cheap toys.

For most Americans, the most frustrating aspect of traffic is the uniquely Filipino style of driving, which is often erratic and unpredictable. Those with orderly driving habits will find it difficult to adjust to the chaos of Manila's streets. Lane markers and crosswalks painted on the streets of Manila, as well as many stoplights, are often ignored. Buses stop in the middle of the streets to allow passengers to exit into oncoming traffic, and taxis cross cars stacked five abreast to make left turns from the far right lane. Drivers also turn into oncoming traffic when the proper lane is too congested, while pedestrians and cars play a dangerous game of "chicken" to see who will get to the intersection first. At the same time, Filipino drivers are remarkably polite and less prone to road rage than their American counterparts. To some extent, the absence of stringently applied traffic rules compels the average Filipino driver to be more aware and attentive to his surroundings than the average American driver.

Although most city streets are concrete or asphalt, many are in a constant state of disrepair. Some Manila streets become treacherous mazes of potholes, open sewers, garbage and other hazards during the rainy season. Side streets can be narrow and hazardous year round, and traffic signals often are broken. Traffic guards attempting to regulate the flow of vehicles at major intersections are sometimes ignored. There are many unauthorized vendors and beggars in Manila, who must constantly be removed by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Caution is always the rule to follow.

The MMDA has completed construction of a modern light rail system (MRT), designed to alleviate some of the congestion by connecting major commercial areas of the city. This rapid transit system is clean and efficient, but its network unfortunately is not extensive enough to make a significant impact on Manila's heavy vehicle traffic. The MRT station begins on the corner of Edsa and Taft, ending on North Avenue, Quezon City. Most Americans have found the light rail network too limited in scope to present a viable alternative to automobile travel. In addition, stations are often inconveniently located and not easily accessible on foot. The rapid transit system can, however, be a very pleasant alternative to a private car or taxi when traveling to certain parts of Makati, the business and commercial district of Manila.

There are several new toll roads connecting the city to certain outlying areas, with further construction planned for the future. In theory, this should help to alleviate some traffic problems in the next few years. However, planned improvements in the transportation infrastructure of Manila often suffer serious delays and slowdowns during construction, and the increasing number of private cars on the streets has more than kept pace with the implementation of upgrades to the transportation system.

Transportation

Automobiles Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:25 AM

An automobile can be useful in Manila, but driving in the Philippines is not for the timid. Many Embassy employees choose to hire full-time drivers instead of driving themselves. Good drivers are readily available in the Philippines for about $150 to $200 a month.

If you plan to ship a car to Manila, ensure that you arrive before your car does. Philippine Government regulations require that you, not your representative, sign the tax exemption certificate and certificate of title or sales invoice for release of the vehicle from customs. Vehicle clearance through customs normally takes about three weeks. Storage fees are also high. The vehicle's bill of lading should describe the car fully, including the vehicle's make, type, year, model, engine and serial numbers, color, weight, number of cylinders, and piston displacement (either in cubic centimeters or cubic inches).

Air-conditioned cars are an absolute necessity because of Manila's hot and humid climate, pollution, and annoying dust. It is also useful to drive with the windows rolled up, to avoid harassment and petty theft that may occur at intersections. Cars should be undercoated, tropicalized, and equipped with heavy-duty springs and shock absorbers. Due to heavy rains, frequent flooding, and poor road conditions, employees planning to travel outside metro Manila often import vehicles with a high clearance. The following are useful spare parts to include with a vehicle: a muffler, tail pipe, fan belts, extra fuel, air, and oil filters, brake pads, and radiator hoses. If you ship a U.S. model car, include a good supply of spare parts, especially those that are susceptible to Manila's heat and humidity. It is virtually impossible to make it through a tour in Manila without several minor dents and dings to your personal vehicle, so touch-up paint and chrome protective lacquer are also useful. The good news is that bodywork in Manila is cheap, and technicians are competent. Alternatively, you can sensibly resign yourself to the inevitable and stoically accept that a vehicle with a few dents is just as drivable as one with pristine body and paintwork.

High humidity and poor road conditions accelerate the deterioration of vehicles in the Philippines. Repair facilities are available for most U.S., European, and Japanese cars, at prices comparable to the United States. Exceptions are repair services for automatic transmissions and power electronic features, which are expensive and hard to find. Most spare parts and tires are available at slightly higher than U.S. prices.

Unleaded gas and diesel fuel is available on the local economy. Major oil companies (Petron, Caltex, and Shell) operate gas/convenience stations in and around metro Manila. Super and regular unleaded gasoline, premium and regular leaded gasoline, and diesel fuels are also available in major cities in the provinces. The mission also operates a fuel station that provides both unleaded and diesel fuels.

U.S. Mission personnel are allowed to import one tax-exempt personal motor vehicle to post. Administrative and technical personnel can import one vehicle duty free (as well as personal and household effects) at any time during their tour of duty. Employees may import or purchase locally a second duty-free vehicle (at the owner's expense) if they are accredited staff members, administrative/technical personnel, or if their spouses hold a valid Philippine driver's license. It is advisable to wait until after arrival at post to request a second duty-free vehicle, as authorization is subject to prior approval from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Please check with the Embassy's Transportation Unit before making any commitment to buy a second vehicle.

Replacement of an initial vehicle may be authorized only after two years of registration at the Land Transportation Office (LTO), except in extenuating circumstances (e.g., theft, accidental damage, or hazardous safety condition due to mechanical faults). The DFA must approve the replacement. Theft of privately owned vehicles is not a major concern in the Philippines, and there is no indication that American-made cars or the vehicles of Embassy personnel are in any way singled out.

The DFA exercises import restrictions on diplomatic, official, and all other vehicles shipped into the country. There are no exceptions to these restrictions. You may import a gasoline-powered passenger vehicle or a diesel-powered vehicle, including passenger cars. Under the Philippine tariff and customs code, vehicles such as jeeps, sport vans, econo vans, panel vans, pick ups, wagons, and other vehicles with a similar configuration are classified as utility vehicles.

The Philippine Government considers a motorcycle a privately owned vehicle, whether imported or locally purchased. If an employee intends to register a motorcycle, the government will need its own shipping, import, and customs documentation. If you are shipping a motorcycle in your HHE shipment, be sure that the bill of lading clearly shows that a motorcycle is included. The bill of lading also should show specifications, such as the make, model, and year of the motorcycle.

Sales of vehicles registered to diplomats must be approved in advance by the DFA. The sale of cars to non-privileged buyers will be authorized only if such vehicles have been registered in the Philippines for at least two years, and if the owners of such vehicles are departing the Philippines for a permanent change of station, after having completed a tour of duty of at least 12 months. DFA permission to sell a vehicle may not be requested more than 90 days prior to your scheduled departure date.

Employees whose tours of duty have been curtailed are entitled to sell vehicles that have been registered for at least one year. Personnel who depart without a year of registration, due to curtailment, reassignment, or resignation, may be authorized to sell a vehicle to another privileged buyer by "exception" from the DFA. Employees temporarily departing post on home leave or other travel or serving an extended tour do not qualify to sell vehicles under DFA regulations.

The LTO requires Mission personnel to have a valid driver's license from the United States or another country, so they can obtain a Philippine driver's license. Local third-party auto insurance with a Philippine insurance agency of the employee's choice also is required. This coverage must be for at least P750,000, with P20,000 for compulsory third-party liability and P365,000 each for bodily injuries and property damage. Third-party liability insurance, as well as comprehensive and collision, can be obtained from several local agencies that also provide claims processing and accident assistance. In addition, many people at post carry comprehensive (damage to your vehicle from causes other than an accident) and collision coverage, through a U.S. insurer that will insure in the Philippines. Be sure to check with your U.S. insurer to find out if it will provide such coverage in the Philippines. Incoming personnel are encouraged to purchase a marine insurance coverage policy for personal vehicles being shipped to Manila.

Some standard automobile makes are available locally at higher prices. You may place special orders for a variety of U.S.-, Japanese-, and European-made vehicles through the Overseas Military Sales Group. A few used vehicles are available at reasonable prices from departing employees of the U.S. Embassy and other foreign missions in Manila, particularly during the summer transfer season. If you decide to order a new car after arrival, expect a 90-day wait for delivery.

Transportation

Local Transportation Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:26 AM

Personally owned vehicles are the most convenient mode of transportation, but many people manage very well for an entire tour in Manila without them. City transportation varies, but most Mission employees without cars commonly use air-conditioned taxis that are usually plentiful in Manila and its suburbs. The quality and condition of Manila taxis (and their drivers) can vary widely, but most taxis are safe and affordable. Those without air-conditioning drive with windows open, making passengers vulnerable to heat, pollution and petty crime. Most taxi drivers are able to speak and understand basic English and can understand instructions. Good judgment regarding the condition of the vehicle and the competence of the driver should govern your decision on whether to take a particular taxi.

Taxi prices are extremely reasonable, particularly as compared with the United States, but drivers frequently try to avoid using the meter by negotiating a higher price in advance (often double or triple the normal fare), particularly when the passenger is a foreigner. Embassy personnel who already know the standard taxi fares in Manila can avoid this type of scam by insisting that the driver turn on the meter. Taxi drivers are also known to refuse passengers who want to travel to especially inconvenient or congested areas, or may try to negotiate a higher fare for such trips. Many drivers attempt to get more money by arguing that traffic is heavy, but traffic is always heavy in Manila. Use your own judgment in deciding whether the higher fare is worth it.

Buses are plentiful, extremely cheap and very popular with locals. Their use generally is discouraged, due to the possibility of petty crime, such as pick pocketing. Also, most Americans find the open-air buses too uncomfortable, due to overcrowding, heat, and exposure to exhaust fumes. One of the most enduring (and endearing) forms of mass transit is the jeepney, the uniquely Filipino jitneys that clog the streets of Manila by the thousands and contribute significantly to the city's poor air quality. The jeepney was born when the Philippines inherited a huge stock of surplus Army jeeps after the American occupation. The Filipinos placed passenger compartments on top of the jeeps and thereby created a cheap form of public transportation. Even though jeepneys are now manufactured from scratch in the Philippines, they still maintain the same awkward design and charm of their cobbled-together ancestors. In addition, jeepneys have developed into an art form of their own. Each owner decorates his jeepney in bright decals that announce the name of his children, his favorite American cartoon characters, sports teams or products, etc.

In addition to jeepneys, Manila is populated by scores of public buses and tricycles, which are motor-driven or manual bicycles with a passenger compartment attached to the side. Traffic is further congested by occasional horse-drawn carts, which are popular for sightseeing but largely impractical. The use of buses is discouraged, due to uneven standards of maintenance and safety, and the reckless driving habits of many drivers. Tricycles may be used with caution, and they can be quite convenient for short trips when a taxi is not available or feasible. However, tricycle drivers often ignore traffic laws and are especially accident-prone, due to the tricycle's small size and its tendency to weave in and out of traffic.

Train travel is not recommended because of unsafe roadbeds, low standards of car cleanliness and maintenance, and frequent pilferage. Travel by ocean ferry can be a fast and enjoyable alternative to land travel, but Americans should use common sense in selecting a carrier. There are a number of reputable ferry services -- like the WG&A, Inc. ferries that operate between Manila and various other points in the Philippines -- that use modern, well-maintained equipment and observe standard safety procedures. However, there is no enforcement of safety precautions or maintenance standards among commercial passenger ships, and some can be extremely hazardous as a result. Several large, overloaded ferries have capsized with loss of life in the past few years. The CLO and GSO have current information regarding which boat lines are deemed safe and trustworthy.

Two major highways lead out of Manila: the Northern Highway, which leads to Angeles City and Baguio, and the South Superhighway. Employees often travel by U.S. Government vehicle or by air when going outside of Manila, due to the poor condition of roads outside the metropolitan area and frequent traffic jams. Philippine Airlines (PAL), Air Philippines, Asian Spirit, and Cebu Pacific make scheduled flights to important Philippine cities and towns. It is possible to make a one-day round trip to some destinations, including Cebu.

Transportation

Regional Transportation Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:27 AM

International air travel can be arranged to numerous destinations in Asia from Manila. Many employees cite their ability to make frequent weekend trips to places such as Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, etc., as one of the major benefits of a tour in Manila, although air travel around Southeast Asia can be quite expensive. Airlines connecting Manila with other points in Asia, Europe, and the United States include Air France, British Air, Cathay Pacific, China Air, China Southern, Egypt Air, Emirates Airlines, EVA Air, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Airlines, Lufthansa, Malaysian Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Royal Thai. Northwest and Continental, as well as Philippine Airlines, have daily scheduled flights to the United States.

Mission employees can make business or personal travel arrangements at the Travel Office on the 4th Floor of the Chancery Annex Building. USAID has a separate travel facility for its employees. There also are several reputable local travel agencies that often work with Embassy personnel and offer frequent package tours and weekend getaways. These agencies are familiar with U.S. Government regulations regarding R&R and other types of official travel.

Communications

Telephones and Telecommunications Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:42 AM

Over the past three years, the clarity of telephone communications within the Mission has vastly improved, due to the upgrading of trunk lines via optical fiber connections. This has facilitated the use of efficient Internet service within the Mission over the same telephone lines. The Embassy also has several International Voice Gateway (IVG) lines to the United States that employees can use free of charge.

Domestic telephone service is common in the Philippines, but it is not as reliable as in the United States. Although almost all telephones in Metro Manila are serviced by digital exchanges, there are not enough links between the four major telecommunications companies that service the city. As a result, there are frequently connection problems during peak hours, especially when trying to reach a number connected to a different service provider. Also, wrong numbers are a constant problem, due both to faulty connections and hopelessly outdated directories and phone records. Storms and even showers can disrupt telephone service, and repairs can be extremely slow. U.S. Government-leased lines can be repaired by requesting assistance from the Mission's Information Management Office.

Most government-owned and leased residential units already have a phone, and occupants are responsible for paying the monthly fee (around $15 for local service from a single phone) and any additional long-distance charges. A second phone number may be requested at the resident's expense. The waiting period ranges from two weeks to two months.

Long-distance service to the United States is excellent, with the cost of direct-dialed calls averaging only $.40 per minute. However, operator-assisted calls can run as much as $4.37 for the first minute and $1.54 for each succeeding minute.

Embassy employees may use the IVG line to Washington, D.C., free of charge during non-peak hours, and this line may be accessed from the residences by calling the Embassy operators. The IVG line gives you a dial tone in Washington, D.C., from which it is possible to make calls with a calling card as though the call were being placed from the D.C. area. Most employees find this an economical method of making calls to the United States. It is advisable to arrange some kind of calling card before arriving in the Philippines that may be used in conjunction with the tie line. It is also possible to arrange for such service after arrival at post. GlobalPhone has become a popular option with many employees, because it may be arranged via the Internet.

Communications

Telephones and Telecommunications

Wireless Service Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:44 AM Cellular phones have become almost indispensable for most Americans and are relatively inexpensive in the Philippines. These serve the added purpose of remaining functional even during power outages, and provide additional security while on the road or stuck in traffic. Most Filipinos, many of whom do not have access to a personal computer, use "texting" (text messaging) by cellular telephone to deliver messages (and jokes). The Philippines sends more text messages daily than the rest of the world combined-about 40 million messages a day! It is not uncommon to see Filipinos sending and receiving text messages on the street, in movie theaters, restaurants, and even during business meetings.

Communications

Internet Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:44 AM

Internet service is widely available in the Philippines, and there are numerous Internet providers in the Manila area offering service at competitive rates. Much of Manila, including the business and residential areas of Makati, are now served by cable modem, which has greatly improved the speed and quality of Internet connections in those areas. Several Internet providers in the Philippines offer unlimited monthly Internet usage for a set rate, while many others provide service on an hourly basis or in some sort of package that includes a set number of hours. Pre-paid dial-up cards are also available for quick access or while awaiting a more permanent service installation. Fees tend to be higher than most in the United States, and Americans will also find the speed and consistency of Philippine Internet providers a bit disappointing, when compared with the standards of U.S. Internet service.

Communications

Mail and Pouch Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:45 AM

FPO facilities to and from the United States, and to other FPOs and APOs, are available for all U.S. Government agencies and officials, members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and American personnel with official government positions in the Philippines. Mail is sent to and received from the United States via American and foreign flag carriers seven days a week. Transit time is usually five-six days for first class letters or Priority Parcels. FPO parcel post services are available. Merchandise can be mailed to the United States, its territories and possessions, any APO/FPO address, and foreign country members of the Universal Postal Union. All merchandise mailed through the FPO is subject to customs inspection and the required customs duty.

Parcels mailed by FPO to the United States are subject to certain limitations. No package may weigh over 70 pounds or be over 108 inches in length and girth combined for priority mail. The proper address format for the Embassy is:

Name

PSC 500, Box [varies by agency or office]

FPO AP 96515-1000

The address for international mail is:

American Embassy [Agency if not Department of State]

1201 Roxas Boulevard

Ermita, Manila 1000

The Philippines

For USAID:

USAID

PSC 502, Box I

FPO AP 96515-1200

Communications

Radio and TV Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:45 AM

Radio and TV stations in the Philippines are commercial and highly competitive, resembling those in the United States. American movies, television programs, and popular music are all widely available in the Philippines, and many popular American TV programs are shown in English. Increasingly, local TV stations are producing their own programs in Tagalog. Local news and public affairs programs on early prime time TV (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) are in Tagalog, while those on late prime time (7:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.) are in English. The frequency and repetition of television commercials in the Philippines can be annoying.

Five national networks, all located in Metro Manila, dominate TV broadcasting in the country. ABS-CBN 2, PTV 4 and GMA-7 broadcast their prime time programs nationwide via satellite. RPN-9 and IBC-13 use ground relay stations and affiliates to reach their national audiences.

Cable TV service is available in all residential areas, and many Mission personnel subscribe to one of three cable service providers in metro Manila. Cable packages include a varying array of English-language channels, such as CNN, Fox News, NBC-Asia, CNBC, ESPN, Cinemax, MGM Gold, HBO, Discovery, TNT, Animal Planet, National Geographic, etc. Cable service providers also include all local TV stations and stations from other countries such as BBC World, Deutsche Welle, TV-5 from France, and Malaysian, Indonesian, Indian, Arab, Spanish and Japanese stations. All stations are in color.

There are 517 radio stations in the Philippines, with 50 in metropolitan Manila. Station programming consists of news, music, drama, and talk shows. Music varies from European classical to jazz to new age, hip-hop and rock, and listeners can hear American pop music of the past four decades on a variety of radio programs. There are 24 Manila stations that broadcast in FM stereo. Radio/TV stations report on international and U.S. news. One FM station carries CNN news on the hour.

Electrical power in the Philippines is 60 cycle, 110v or 220v, depending upon wiring in individual homes, which may have dual wiring for both voltages. TV in the Philippines is broadcast using NTSC format, the same system used in the United States. American TV sets can be used without modification (except for power if a 220v receptacle is used). There is generally no three-wire grounded electrical service in residences, except in the Seafront Housing Compound. Bring transformers for TV sets as well as other electrical appliances, since homes may have 110v, 220v, or a mixture of the two currents. Check the voltage on wall outlets before plugging in any appliance or lamp. Since most receptacles are not grounded, use of spike/surge protectors does not necessarily protect sensitive electrical and electronic equipment from power surges. Computers and other sensitive equipment should be unplugged when not in use. Sporadic electrical power blackouts, sometimes province-wide, can last from minutes to hours and are hard on appliances.

Radio and TV sets are sold at Philippine duty-free outlets but are expensive. The latest models are not always available and selection may be limited. The most widely used videotape format is VHS. Laser discs and DVDs also are popular. Local video rental shops carry wide selections of current family movies and American television programs and specials.

Movies are popular and extraordinarily cheap (about $2.00 for first-run movies), and there are many comfortable, air-conditioned cinemas. Seating in movie theaters is usually ample, except on Sundays and Philippine holidays. However, Americans may be frustrated by the tendency of a few in the audience to engage in conversation, talk on the phone, and move about during the showing of a movie.

Recently released American and international films play in the Philippines but generally have runs of only a few weeks in any individual cinema. American films and television programs are subject to substantial censorship for profane language and sexually suggestive content. Popular Filipino movies in Tagalog are not subtitled or dubbed.

Communications

Newspapers, Magazines, and Technical Journals Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:45 AM

There is a vigorous and competitive free press in the Philippines. Nine major English dailies are published in Manila, and three other papers specialize in current business and trade affairs. Newspapers sometimes feature splashy headlines and undocumented "facts." Most major hotels and bookstores sell The Asian Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and The International Herald Tribune, usually on the day of publication. Many English-language magazines are published locally, e.g., Metro, Mega, Preview and FHM. Three magazines, the Philippine Free Press, Philippine Graphic and Newsbreak, specialize in political news. Several dailies feature commentary by well-known American journalists, some carry articles for specific audiences, and weekend newspaper supplements have short articles of general interest. Among popular local magazines are Women's Home Companion, Celebrity, The Journal Weekender, Women's Journal, the Philippine edition of Cosmopolitan, the recently launched monthly Men's Zone and Focus Magazine. Most articles are light, human-interest features or other nonpolitical subjects. Occasionally, periodicals carry in-depth analyses of current events. Weekly Asian editions of Time, Newsweek, The Far Eastern Economic Review, The Economist, and Asiaweek are available by subscription and at local newsstands or bookstores.

Limited supplies of many American magazines, four-six weeks old, and paperback books are sold at local newsstands and bookstores, such as National Book Store. To ensure regular receipt of favorite magazines, you should subscribe to them through the FPO.

Health and Medicine

Medical Facilities Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:46 AM

Manila: An excellent Embassy Medical Unit is located on the Seafront Compound. Its staff consists of a Regional Medical Officer (RMO), a Foreign Service Nurse Practitioner, three Filipina nurses, a laboratory technologist, one X-ray technician, a secretary, and a receptionist. There is also a small walk-in clinic on the Chancery compound, staffed by one local nurse.

The Medical Unit is responsible for the delivery of primary health care to direct-hire American personnel and their eligible family members. The Medical Unit will act as your primary care provider, referring you for consultation with a specialist when appropriate or desired. The Medical Unit also advises the Mission on preventive and administrative medical matters. Excellent and inexpensive dental care is available on the local economy, including periodontics, endodontics, and orthodontics.

The Medical Unit also provides care for on-the-job illnesses and injuries for Filipino employees. Employees of the Department of State, USAID, and other Government agencies covered by the Department of State Medical Program, receive medical care at the Medical Unit under a shared administrative services agreement. Agencies not covered under the Department of State Medical Program may be granted access to the Medical Unit after entering into an ICASS agreement.

Manila's hospitals, such as Makati Medical Center and St. Luke's Hospital, are staffed by excellent medical staff, many of whom are U.S. Board Certified, but nursing and other support services are sometimes considered inadequate, and equipment can be outdated or incomplete. Obstetrical delivery is not recommended in Manila.

After working hours, most medical emergencies are handled at the Makati Medical Center's emergency department. Other facilities are also adequate for emergencies, including Manila Doctors Hospital and San Juan de Dios Hospital, which is located within a quarter mile of the Seafront Compound. The medical officer on duty can contact emergency department staff to organize initial care and admission, if needed.

Baguio: In general, common diseases may be treated locally. The two hospitals considered adequate are Notre Dame de Lourdes Hospital and Pines City Doctors' Hospital.

Health and Medicine

Community Health Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:47 AM

The following general health advice is applicable throughout the Philippines.

The general level of sanitation in the Philippines is lower than in the United States. Manila's population growth since independence in 1946 has greatly overtaxed city water supplies, sewage and garbage disposal, street cleaning, and utilities. Water at the Chancery and the Seafront compounds is safe for drinking, as the Embassy has its own source of treated water for those locations.

Manila has open sewers in many areas, which are a health risk. Waste disposal and food handling in many areas are inadequate. However, most Mission and all U.S. Government-owned buildings have septic tanks or adequate sewers. Garbage collection is also adequate in most government-leased quarters. Cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, termites, rats, and mice abound in the Philippines and require periodic pesticide service.

Health and Medicine

Preventive Measures Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:47 AM

Occasional gastrointestinal upset, due to poor sanitary conditions, and colds and other respiratory ailments, are almost unavoidable in Manila. Asthma patients may experience difficulty in the Manila area, due to the extremely high level of air pollution. Despite reasonable precautions, serious diseases such as hepatitis, typhoid, bacillary dysentery, and intestinal parasites also occasionally occur within the Mission community. You should be inoculated against typhoid, tetanus-diphtheria, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B and rabies. In addition, children should be vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, and hemophilus B. Tuberculosis also is very common in the Philippines, so yearly skin tests are recommended. All household help and drivers should have periodic physical examinations, stool tests, and chest x-rays.

Many areas of the Philippines, including Manila, are relatively free of malaria. However, several forms of the disease, including chloroquin-resistant Falciparum, are prevalent in many rural areas around the Philippines. Personnel traveling in these areas must take appropriate malaria prophylactics, which can be provided by the Medical Unit. Mosquitoes also carry dengue fever, which does occur in Manila.

Although the level of incidence still is relatively low, AIDS/HIV infection has been identified in many areas throughout the Philippines, especially among bar girls and the homosexual community. All other sexually transmitted diseases also are present, including drug-resistant gonorrhea. Hepatitis B, which is transmitted in the same ways as AIDS, is endemic in the Philippines.

Rabies is on the increase in Luzon, and is present throughout the Philippines.

Stray animals must be avoided, and domestic pets should be vaccinated.

Rabies vaccine (pre-exposure) is recommended for all personnel prior to coming to post but may also be obtained after arrival.

Fresh fruits and vegetables and drinking water should be approached with caution. Peel, soak, scrub, and/or cook local produce appropriately before eating it. Do not drink untreated or unboiled water. Boil water for five minutes to sterilize it. Bottled beverages are plentiful and safe. Bottled beverages or hot tea or coffee are safer than water in public places. Americans patronize many fine restaurants in Manila without concern. Ice is always suspect, and remember that alcohol does not kill bacteria. Do not let children eat ice cream and food from street peddlers.

Overexertion and excessive fatigue should be avoided in Manila. The tropical environment makes for rapid dehydration, and you may not recover from exercise as quickly here as in temperate areas. Short exposure to the sun may result in serious burns, particularly on weekend excursions to beach resorts. Heat rash responds best to frequent cool showers, air-conditioned rooms, and loose clothing to reduce perspiration. Superficial skin infections are extremely common in the tropics. Carefully clean even the smallest wounds with an antibiotic disinfectant, and cover.

The Embassy Medical Unit dispenses some medications for acute medical problems to American personnel and their eligible family members. Generally, you must supply your own medicines for chronic conditions. Larger pharmacies in the Philippines stock most standard medicines at prices equivalent to those in the United States, although brand names may be different and unfamiliar. Vitamins, over-the-counter medicines, bandages, and first-aid supplies are usually available locally. Drugs that are unavailable locally can be ordered from the United States and delivered by FPO, if labeled as prescription medicines. Most employee health insurance plans now have pharmacy services that provide prescription drugs for long-term use by mail at nominal cost.

Employment for Spouses and Dependents Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:48 AM

Manila has one of the largest overseas Embassy family employment programs in the world. Both full-time and part-time positions within the Mission become vacant throughout the year as Mission families come and go. It is usually possible to place in jobs all eligible family members interested in working, but not always in the type of position they would prefer. Many available jobs are clerical in nature and pay less than a professional's customary salary.

Eligible family members interested in employment within the Mission are encouraged to enroll in the M/FLO Skills Bank program and to forward a completed SF-171 (Application for Employment) to the Human Resources Office and to the CLO in Manila. Vacant positions are advertised via Administrative Notices, which also are available on the Embassy's web site. The Embassy often hires family on a temporary and intermittent basis. In general, those applicants with office and/or computer skills will have a better chance of finding a job within the Mission.

There is a Bilateral Work Agreement between the United States and the Philippines that permits family members to work in jobs on the local economy after approval is granted by the Department of Foreign Affairs. However, because of high unemployment and the availability of local professional and technical skills in the local labor market, chances of obtaining employment in the private sector are slim. Salaries in general also are very low by American standards.

The International School in Manila and Brent International School employ family members who are qualified teachers or administrators. Compensation is in both dollars and pesos. For ISM teachers recruited overseas, the beginning salary range is $16,100-$29,632, paid in 50% pesos, 50% dollars. The local hire pay scale is $4,082-$13,587 per year, paid in 50% pesos and 50% dollars on a one-year renewable contract. In addition, there is a bonus of $1,000 paid at the end of the school year, plus $150 paid in December and $150 paid in June. The pay scale at Brent School is similar. Direct requests for employment information for teachers (either local or overseas hire) can be made to:

Superintendent

International School Manila

P.O. Box 1526 MCPO

1255 Makati City, Philippines

www.ismanila.com

or

Headmaster

Brent School of Manila

University of Life Campus

P.O. Box 12201

Ortigas 1600

Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines

www.brent.edu.ph

In Washington, D.C., contact:

U.S. Department of State

Office of Overseas Schools

(A/OPR/OS)

H328 SA-1

Washington, D.C. 20037

Phone: (202) 261-8203

Make direct requests for other types of employment to:

American Chamber of Commerce

of the Philippines, Inc.

Corinthian Plaza, 2nd floor

Paseo de Roxas

P.O. Box 2562 MCPO

Makati City, Philippines

Generally, a family member working outside the Mission must apply for a Philippine Labor Permit, which is usually a pro-forma requirement. The Human Resources Office can make the necessary arrangements with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs after you find a job in Manila.

American Embassy - Manila

Post City Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:49 AM

Metro Manila, located on the main island of Luzon, is a major city along the coastal lowlands of Manila Bay and the Pasig River. Legend has it that originally the town was known as Maynilad, which is Tagalog for "many nilads grow there." The nilad is a water lily that can still be seen floating on the Pasig River and into Manila Bay. Greater metro Manila currently has a population of about 12 million and encompasses Quezon City, Pasay City, Caloocan, Makati, Mandaluyong, Paranaque, and San Juan.

Manila Bay, one of the largest and finest harbors in Asia, is Manila's outstanding feature. It is rimmed by distant mountains and islands, dotted by ships, and is frequently the setting for spectacularly colorful sunsets. Pollution has made the water of Manila Bay unsuitable for swimming, and there is no beach along the bay.

The Embassy sits on Roxas Boulevard, which follows the shoreline for several miles, in the Ermita-Malate section of the city. Roxas Boulevard was one of the main thoroughfares of the city several decades ago when the historic Embassy building and the Philippine Government buildings around it were at the heart of downtown Manila. However, the business and commercial center of the city has moved to Makati, about seven miles from the Chancery, along with virtually all of the other Embassies in Manila. Although Ermita has lost its commercial significance, it has recently made a comeback as a dining, shopping, and entertainment district.

Roxas Boulevard is lined with a variety of buildings, including office buildings, apartments, hotels, nightclubs, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), which was built under the supervision of Imelda Marcos during the Marcos era to become one of the region's premier arts centers. The CCP remains a showplace and the vibrant hub of the Philippine artistic community. Roxas Boulevard typifies the contrasts that exist in Manila: a luxury high-rise apartment building occupied by Mission employees sits on one side of the street, directly across from a shanty town of squatters built on land reclaimed from Manila Bay.

There are still remnants of the rich architectural heritage of Manila's 300-plus years of Spanish culture, particularly in the old city of Intramuros near the Embassy. However, much of the city was destroyed during World War II, and the prevalent architecture of the city is a modern American style. The high-rise business district of Makati could pass for the downtown area of any large U.S. city. New construction is ubiquitous in the Philippines, particularly office and apartment space, but projects are sometimes delayed or abandoned in mid-construction, due to lack of financing, or sit empty upon completion due to lack of renters.

More than 150 American businesses have active operations in Manila, and many more have agencies or representatives here. The oldest American Chamber of Commerce in any foreign country is located in Manila. Manila's foreign community includes over 150,000 Chinese, 6,000 Americans, and a large number of Spaniards, Japanese, Indians, Britons, Germans, Swiss, and other nationalities.

The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:50 AM

The Embassy is located on Roxas Boulevard between United Nations Avenue and Padre Faura Street. It fronts on Manila Bay, looking west to renowned Corregidor Island at the mouth of the harbor 26 miles away.

The Embassy is organized along traditional lines, with the Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission exercising overall supervision of the Mission. As senior representative of the United States in the Philippines, the Ambassador ensures that the programs and activities of all Mission agencies are coordinated and contribute to the attainment of U.S. foreign policy objectives. The Embassy community includes the Consular, Economic, Management, Regional Affairs, Public Affairs and Political Sections. Each section is headed by a counselor. Commercial and Agricultural counselors are also assigned to the Mission, as well as Air, Army, and Naval attachés.

Several regional offices of the Department of State are attached to the Embassy in Manila. These include the Regional Information Management Center (RIMC), the Regional Security Office (RSO), and the Regional Printing Center, a publishing facility with a large offset printing plant (the only such State Department facility outside of the United States) located on the Seafront Compound

USAID head offices are located in an office complex just off of Roxas Boulevard that also houses the Philippine Senate, next to the Cultural Center of the Philippines and near the Seafront Compound. The Economic Cooperation Administration, the forerunner of USAID, established an office in Manila in 1951. Its successor agencies and USAID have provided continuity of assistance operations and continue to work closely with the Philippine Government to improve the welfare of Filipinos.

Other organizations that make up the U.S. Mission family in Manila include the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), the only office of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) located outside the United States, and the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) office. ABMC takes care of the American Cemetery and Memorial located within the former U.S. Army Reservation at Fort Bonifacio in Manila. The Philippines Transmitting Station (International Broadcasting Bureau) is also under the jurisdiction of the Embassy and is located just outside of the metro Manila area.

The Commercial and Agriculture Sections are located in Makati. The Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) has offices in Manila. Headed by a colonel, it is composed of Army, Navy, and Air Force representatives. The Thomas Jefferson American Center, which is operated by the Public Affairs Section, recently moved to the Chancery Annex from its former home in Makati.

Just over 100 Peace Corps volunteers currently serve throughout the rural provinces of the Philippines. Recent projects have included a sustainable island development project with an environmental focus, with volunteers working in coastal resource management, local development planning, and water and sanitation. About 50 Peace Corps volunteers are involved in English-language programs in the Philippines, including teacher training, curriculum development, and resource material development. The Peace Corps presence in Filipino host agencies and communities has helped to sustain and renew Philippine-American cooperation and understanding, and its programs in the Philippines are considered a model of success.

The Embassy's Management Section provides a variety of support services to all Mission agencies. In addition, Manila's management team has regional medical, pouch, and communications responsibilities. The U.S. Delegation to the Asian Development Bank (USADB) is also provided limited support by the Embassy.

Most agencies operate on the same schedule: 7:30 a.m. to noon, and 1:00

p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The agencies that differ are as follows: American Battle

Monuments Commission, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (public hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.); USAID, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Drug Enforcement Administration, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Department of Homeland Security, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Community Liaison Office (CLO) administers a sponsorship program to ease the arrival of new employees. Ensuring a smooth, friendly transition for our new personnel and their families is of the highest priority. Your community sponsor ensures that your housing is ready upon your arrival, stocks the cupboards and refrigerator with the basics (on a reimbursable basis, meets and assists you at the airport, escorts you around the Embassy and familiarizes you with the Mission, and in general introduces you to the community (i.e., social contacts, where to shop, school registration, etc.). Prior to your move, the CLO is available to answer any questions you might have about your transition to Manila or lifestyle issues. You can contact the CLO by e-mail at CLOManila@state.gov. During the summer rotation cycle, the CLO and the Human Resources Office sponsor several newcomer orientation tours to acquaint newcomers with Manila and the Mission. New employees should inform the CLO, as well as their respective agencies, of their arrival plans as soon as possible to make arrangements for a sponsor, provide appropriate information regarding housing and assist with school enrollment in Manila.

Housing Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:50 AM

Housing assignments are made for all agencies (except for Peace Corps and JUSMAG) by the Inter-Agency Housing Board (IAHB) approximately two months prior to an employee's scheduled arrival, based on rank, family size, and timing of arrival at post. The IAHB also considers any other factors that are specific to the employee being assigned, such as medical requirements, physical limitations of elderly EFMs and any preferences the employee may have expressed. Any specific housing requirements, concerns or preferences should be clearly communicated to the GSO Housing Coordinator and the CLO. The earlier the Housing Board receives this information, the better. If you consider your assigned housing inappropriate, you may appeal to the Housing Board for a change of your housing assignment; each case is considered individually on its own merit.

Housing

Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:51 AM

When possible, the Mission assigns newcomers to permanent quarters immediately upon arrival at post. However, if immediate placement is impossible, the employee will be assigned to temporary accommodations, usually in a vacant unit in the post's housing pool.

Housing

Permanent Housing Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:51 AM

The American Embassy in Manila provides both government-owned (GO) and short-term-leased (STL) living quarters for all employees at post. There are 42 GO units at the Seafront, and 177 STLs: 109 apartments and 68 houses, making a total of 219 units in the housing pool.

Embassy personnel are generally housed at three locations: 1) government-owned apartments and townhouses on the Seafront Compound, about 2 miles from the Chancery; 2) commercially leased apartments in the Malate District about a mile from the Embassy; and 3) leased houses and apartments in the Makati residential areas and villages (Bel-Air, Magallanes, Dasmariñas, Forbes Park, San Lorenzo and Urdaneta), which are located five to seven miles from the Embassy. The Marine Security Guards live in the Marine House on the Chancery Compound, and the Ambassador's residence in Forbes Park also is government-owned. About 69% of U.S. Government personnel in Manila are assigned to apartments or townhouses; 31% to single-family homes. School bus service to both of the schools typically attended by Embassy children is provided from all residential areas.

The government-owned Seafront Compound includes a staff apartment building for single employees and couples, and a townhouse compound for couples and families (and a limited number of singles). These units are generally considerably smaller than commercially leased apartments and are well below the square footage allowances for most occupants. They also are older than many apartments available on the Manila/Makati housing market. Most standard-level personnel are assigned to the Seafront Compound, including the vast majority of junior officers. The Housing Board is required to fill the government-owned units at Seafront before it can make assignments to leased housing outside of the compound.

Some employees prefer the safety and convenience of the Seafront Compound to other housing in the city. Armed security guards are on duty 24 hours a day at the compound and access is strictly regulated, which creates a safe play area for children. It also features a number of recreational facilities that are run by the American Recreation Club (ARC), including a swimming pool, tennis courts, squash and racquet courts, library, gym and spa, and community center. ARC membership costs $190 per year per family or $120 per year for singles. There's also a preschool run by Amerikids, a playground and ball field for everyone's use. There is a restaurant on the compound. Electricity on Seafront Compound is 110v, so employees can use all U.S. electronic equipment and appliances. The compound is equipped with a heavy-duty generator that provides power to all homes during Manila's frequent power outages. It also has its own source of treated water, so the tap water at the Seafront Compound is safe.

The three-story staff apartment building currently includes a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. A complete renovation of the staff apartments was begun in 2000 in different phases. This project will combine two of the older staff apartments into one large three-bedroom apartment, featuring marble floors, separate dining rooms, modern kitchens and bathrooms, at least two bathrooms, and a laundry room. All of the apartments have split-type air-conditioning units in each room. Storage space is at a premium in both the old and renovated staff apartments.

The 24 Seafront townhouses are a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom units with central air-conditioning, washer, dryer, and dishwasher. Most of the townhouses are multi-level units, with a living room, dining room and kitchen on the first level and bedrooms on the upper levels. The townhouses are newer than the staff apartments and feature an aesthetically pleasing modern design with generous outdoor terraces and balconies. The townhouses are especially popular among families with younger children.

Ample parking is available for both the staff apartments and townhouses directly adjacent to the units. The Seafront Compound also includes dormitories for domestic employees, as the housing units are not large enough to accommodate them.

The houses leased by the U.S. Embassy are located in residential villages in the Makati area. Though not necessarily contemporary in design and often lacking modern accessories, the houses are comfortable and functional three- and four-bedroom dwellings. They are comparable in size to their American counterparts, with interesting lay-outs and facades. Some houses have a swimming pool in the yard, others have limited yard space. Most have limited storage space.

Subdivisions, such as Bel-air, Forbes Park, Magallanes, San Lorenzo and Dasmariñas and Urdaneta Villages, are incorporated into associations that provide gate guard service, garbage collection, and street maintenance. These gated communities are desirable for families with children, as they include playground facilities and are closer to the International School of Manila and Brent International School South Campus. The streets are clean and private, conducive for bicycling, jogging, and walking.

A new cluster of very modern apartment buildings at a former camp, Fort Bonifacio, has also become very popular to the expat community, including embassy families. These buildings include many amenities such as outdoor/indoor swimming pools, walking trails, tennis courts, gym and spa areas, as well as very good security and service from the building management staff. These housing areas are located in a more desirable neighborhood than the apartments closer to the Embassy, with excellent shopping, dining and cultural opportunities within the development (commonly referred to as The Fort) as well as in nearby Makati. Because of the convenience of these new, modern apartments and the greater security they afford, post has consciously sought to increase the number of such residences for our personnel. Since post no longer authorizes security guards for any single-family residences other than for the Ambassador and DCM, all chiefs of agencies who believe that additional security measures are required for their safety will automatically be assigned to the newer, very secure high-rise apartment complexes.

However, the five- to seven-mile commute to the Chancery, the USAID office building, and the Seafront Compound can take from 20 to 60 minutes or longer from either the villages or the Fort, depending on the traffic, which is wildly unpredictable.

The majority of government-leased apartments and houses in the Embassy pool are wired at each outlet for 110-120 (American) and 220v (Philippine), 60 cycles (two-prong round plugs for the 220 and regular, American-style flat plugs for the 110). However, housing units on the Seafront Compound are inadequately equipped with functioning 220v plugs, so employees assigned to the Staff Apartments or Townhouses should assume that they will only be able to use 110v (American) electrical equipment. There are enough outages and fluctuations in Manila's power supply to make surge or spike suppressors essential for the protection of sensitive electronic equipment, such as musical instruments, stereo equipment and computers.

Housing

Furnishings Last Updated: 1/27/2004 4:53 AM

The residence of the Ambassador and the homes of the DCM and the Director of the Asian Development Bank are completely furnished, including representational needs, such as dishes, silver and glassware, and artwork. State, USAID, and most other agencies in Manila supply basic furnishings that are predominantly American made, with occasional locally manufactured accents. Most furnishings are upholstered with imported fabric, comparable to American styles, and replaced on a six-year cycle. Upholstered furniture will be in one of three standard, neutral color schemes. Drapes will be installed in all rooms of the house (excluding maid's rooms), also in standardized, neutral colors.

The following is a list of basic furnishings for the majority of the Embassy's housing units. The quantity of furniture is based upon room sizes, number of rooms and availability of property in the warehouse. Upon the discretion of the Property & Supply office, furniture will be scaled accordingly, or quantities reduced to accommodate room sizes.

Living Room

1 three-seat sofa

1 loveseat

2 armchairs

1 coffee table

2 end tables

2 table lamps

1 area carpet

Dining Room

1 dining table

8 dining chairs

1 china cabinet

1 buffet

1 bar/server

1 area carpet

Master Bedroom

1 queen bed with headboard

1 chest of drawers

1 dresser

2 nightstands

2 table lamps

1 occasional or armchair

1 mirror

1 area carpet

1 air purifier

Other Bedrooms

1 single bed with headboard

1 chest of drawers

1 dresser

1 nightstand

2 table lamps

1 desk with chair

1 desk lamp

1 mirror

1 area carpet

1 air purifier (occupied

bedrooms only)

Den

1 three-seat sofa

1 loveseat or 2 armchairs

1 coffee table

1 end table

1 table lamp

1 desk with chair

1 desk lamp

2 bookcases

1 area carpet

Appliances

1 refrigerator/freezer

1 freezer

1 gas or electric oven/range

1 washing machine

1 clothes dryer

1 A/C each living room and

dining room

1 A/C each occupied bedroom

or den

1 microwave

Draperies are installed in all rooms of the house (excluding maid's rooms) in a standardized, neutral color. Bedroom draperies are lined. Draperies and area carpets are either shampooed or replaced, depending upon the replacement cycle of the item.

The majority of the furniture at post reflects those items featured in the State Department Package Furniture Program, with the addition of some locally manufactured pieces. The furniture consists mostly of light-finished transitional pieces, with a limited supply of traditional dark-finished items. Furniture items, such as kitchen tables and chairs, etageres, additional bookcases, television stands, outdoor patio furniture, etc. are available, but in limited supplies. Furniture suitable for a den is generally available but cannot be guaranteed. GSO does not provide computer furniture for residences.

In keeping with State Department regulations, furniture will not be provided for the use of maids or other household employees and is the sole responsibility of the American employee. Based upon availability, vacuum cleaners, ironing boards and baby cribs can be furnished temporarily until household effects have arrived, provided they are in stock.

Some of the leased free-standing houses and larger apartment units, particularly units meant for executive employees (regardless of family size) and housing for families, may have sufficient space to accommodate other furniture items that employees may wish to include in their household effects, such as bookcases or an extra refrigerator. You should inquire about the specific space limitations on your unit once your housing assignment has been made. However, government-owned Seafront townhouses and apartments have very limited space for additional furniture and no space for extra appliances. In addition, GSO cannot store issued furniture in order to make space for personal furniture items brought to post.

For employees of agencies participating in the post housing pool, a Welcome Kit is set up in every housing unit prior to a new employee's arrival. This kit is for your use until your household effects have been delivered and then must be returned to GSO. The kit includes pillows, sheets, towels, blankets, dishes, pots and pans, glasses, flatware and some kitchen utensils, iron, ironing board and toaster. You may want to include in your airfreight shipment such items as casseroles, baking pans, mixer, blender, mixing bowls, refrigerator storage containers, teapot, coffee maker, broom, mop, bucket, dish drainer, etc. These items are available at the Duty-Free stores and the local stores, however. Bear in mind that Seafront apartment have few or no outlets to accommodate the 220v currency of locally manufactured appliances.

Housing

Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 1/27/2004 5:00 AM

Metro Manila, as well as most of Luzon Island, suffers from occasional electrical outages, called "brownouts" locally. These are usually brief interruptions of several minutes, but they can on occasion last several hours during the typhoon season and other severe weather conditions. Both the Chancery and Seafront Compounds are equipped with backup generators to provide full power during power outages. In addition, the Mission has attempted to locate as many employees as possible in apartment buildings with back-up generators. Generators in these buildings have varying capacities, ranging from power for emergency lighting and one elevator to full back-up power. Most of the freestanding houses do not have back-up power sources, and in some cases the water also goes out, due to the failure of the electrical water pumps during power outages.

Some periods of low water pressure in the city may cause water shortages. Seafront apartments and townhouses have modern, well-maintained plumbing, and all units have bathtubs. All other units in the housing pool have modern plumbing, but plumbing problems are frequent in the Philippines because of poor construction and lack of owner maintenance.

Food Last Updated: 1/27/2004 5:01 AM

Although Americans usually are not enamored of Filipino cuisine, with its fried pork and sweet sauces, it is possible to eat very well in the Philippines. Manila features a wide variety of restaurants that appeal to American palates, including a broad spectrum of outstanding Asian cuisine, such as Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese. There are numerous other ethnic dining options in Manila as well, including excellent Italian restaurants and other specialties such as Indian, Mexican, Spanish and French cuisine. All of the major hotels feature upscale dining that is usually a version of Continental cuisine with a Filipino or pan-Asian flair. Exceptional and reasonable buffets are a favorite among both locals and expatriates. Fish and seafood also are fresh, cheap and plentiful in Manila (although not from Manila Bay), and there are countless seafood restaurants. Local fish, many of which are unfamiliar to Americans, are extremely inexpensive and good, and a limited range of familiar imported fish also are available at somewhat higher prices. Local budget shellfish offerings include shrimp and prawns, clams, oysters, mussels, crabs and squid. Other luxury seafood, such as lobster and scallops, are generally imported and expensive.

Filipinos and Americans share a special fondness for fast food. There are countless outlets serving Filipino and Asian food, many of them little more than stalls. Questionable sanitation leads most Americans to avoid them. However, numerous American fast food chains are represented in abundance in Manila (and to a lesser extent in other parts of the Philippines), including McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's, Pizza Hut, Dominos Pizza, Kenny Rogers Roasters, KFC, Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks Coffee and Shakey's Pizza, as well as 7-11 convenience stores. Expatriates are pleased to learn that most of these establishments, as well as many other restaurants, offer home delivery. Jollibee, the homegrown equivalent of McDonalds, tends to serve sugar-added foods (hamburgers, hotdogs, and spaghetti) that on average are far too sweet for the American palate.

Manila is home to a number of supermarkets, most of them connected to the large department stores at major shopping malls, featuring a broad array of local, Asian, and Western products. Most supermarkets include a section specifically devoted to imported foods (usually at significantly higher prices than local goods), and a new membership-only supermarket recently opened in Makati features many imported American products. Although a few specific specialty food items may not be available at any price on the local economy, most Americans have found that the range of products available in local supermarkets is adequate to satisfy the majority of their family's food needs. Supermarket produce can be especially disappointin