National Capital Region (Philippines)
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| National Capital Region (Philippines) | |
|---|---|
| Name | National Capital Region |
| Native name | Kalakhang Maynila |
| Other name | Metro Manila |
| Settlement type | Metropolitan area |
| Coordinates | 14, 35, N, 121... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Philippines |
| Established title | Created |
| Established date | November 7, 1975 |
| Seat type | Regional center |
| Seat | Manila |
| Leader title | Chairperson |
| Leader name | Rafael "Raffy" Nantes (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) |
| Leader title1 | Vice Chairperson |
| Leader name1 | Romando "Don" Artes (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) |
| Area total km2 | 619.57 |
| Population total | 13,484,462 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Philippine Standard Time |
| Utc offset | +8 |
| Postal code type | ZIP codes |
| Postal code | 0900 to 1096 |
| Area code type | ISO 3166 code |
| Area code | PH-00 |
| Blank name sec1 | Provinces |
| Blank info sec1 | None |
| Blank1 name sec1 | Independent cities |
| Blank1 info sec1 | 16 |
| Blank2 name sec1 | Municipalities |
| Blank3 name sec1 | Barangays |
| Blank3 info sec1 | 1,710 |
| Blank4 name sec1 | Cong. districts |
| Blank4 info sec1 | 33 |
| Website | mmda.gov.ph |
National Capital Region (Philippines). The National Capital Region, commonly known as Metro Manila or simply Manila, is the seat of government and the premier metropolitan region of the Philippines. It was established by Presidential Decree No. 824 on November 7, 1975, by President Ferdinand Marcos to administer the rapidly growing capital and its contiguous urban areas. Encompassing the City of Manila and 16 other local government units, the region is the political, economic, social, and cultural center of the nation, hosting key institutions like Malacañang Palace, the Congress of the Philippines, and the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
Geography
The region is situated on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on the island of Luzon, bounded by the provinces of Bulacan to the north, Rizal to the east, Cavite to the southwest, and Laguna to the southeast. Its geography is largely flat, formed by the alluvial deposits of the Pasig River, which bisects the metropolis and connects Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay. Major water bodies include the Marikina River and the San Juan River, while significant green spaces include the Rizal Park in Manila and the La Mesa Watershed Reservation in Quezon City.
History
The area's history is deeply intertwined with the growth of the City of Manila, founded in 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi and serving as the capital of the Spanish East Indies. It was the site of pivotal events like the Battle of Manila during the Spanish–American War and the devastating Battle of Manila in World War II. Following independence, rapid urbanization led to the creation of the Metropolitan Manila Commission in 1975, later reorganized into the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. Key historical landmarks include the Intramuros walled city, Fort Santiago, and the Coconut Palace.
Demographics
With a population of over 13 million as of the 2020 census conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, it is the most populous region in the country and one of the most densely populated urban areas in the world. The population is predominantly Tagalog, with significant communities of other ethnic groups from across the Philippines. Major languages include Filipino and English, with a diverse religious landscape dominated by Roman Catholicism, evidenced by landmarks like Manila Cathedral and the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene.
Economy
The region is the undisputed economic engine of the Philippines, contributing nearly 40% of the nation's Gross Domestic Product. It hosts the country's premier financial district, Makati, along with major business hubs like Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and the Ortigas Center spanning Pasig, Mandaluyong, and Quezon City. The Philippine Stock Exchange is headquartered in Bonifacio Global City, while major conglomerates such as San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Corporation, and SM Investments Corporation are based here. Key economic activities include finance, business process outsourcing, real estate, and retail.
Government
Unlike other regions, the NCR has no regional governor; coordination is managed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, chaired by a presidential appointee. The region comprises 16 highly urbanized cities—including Quezon City, Manila, Caloocan, and Pasay—and the lone municipality of Pateros. Each city and municipality is governed by its own local chief executive and Sangguniang Panlungsod. National governance is centered here, with the executive branch headquartered in Malacañang Palace and the legislative branch in the complex housing the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives of the Philippines.
Infrastructure
The region is the national transportation hub, served by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Parañaque and the North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon Expressway for road networks. Major rail systems include the LRT and MRT lines, and the Philippine National Railways. Critical infrastructure includes the Port of Manila, the Manggahan Floodway, and numerous public hospitals like the Philippine General Hospital and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute. It is also the center of Philippine media, housing major networks like ABS-CBN, GMA Network, and the Manila Bulletin.