The temperature in the Philippines ranges from 80-100 degrees between Valentine's Day and Halloween. Then it can drop down to the 60-70's. They are built on stilts to prevent flooding in the rainy season. In Manila this lasts from June to November. High mountains cover much of the land, but there are areas of flat land where rice, corn and all kinds of tropical fruits and vegetables thrive.
Agriculture is the basic industry of the islands.
It is a common sight to see whole families engaged in planting and harvesting rice in rural areas. This is very hard work. The carabao is the farmer's best friend. Patient and hard-working, they do much of the heavy work for farmers. They are considered the Filipinos symbol for industry and perseverance.