Because of its strategic location, the Philippines is destined to play a great role in the world, possibly its greatest role in the near future. The Philippines is one of the richest countries of the world. The Philippines is also one of the most beautiful lands on earth for having scenic panoramas and natural wonders which delight visitors from all corners of the world. Manila Bay, with the historic Corregidor Island standing guard at its entrance, is one of the finest harbors in the Asian world. The country holds the world's record for the heaviest 24-hour rainfall of over 38.5 inches, which occurred in Manila on October 17, 1967.
Agriculture is the greatest industry of the Filipino people.
Among the countries of the world, the Philippine ranks first in coconut and hemp production, second in sugarcane, and fifth in tobacco. Philippine rivers, lakes and seas teem with fish, shells, pearls, corals, seaweed and other forms of marine wealth. Both the largest and the smallest fish in the world are found in the Philippines. Also found in the archipelago are Tridacna gigas, the world's largest shell which has a length of one meter and weighs 600 pounds, and Pisidum, the smallest shell in the world, which is less than one millimeter long. It was given by the local Muslim chief to an American from California, Wilburn Dewall Cobb, for saving his sick son's life in 1936.