Metropolitan Manila

Metropolitan Manila
Name	Metropolitan Manila
Native name	Kalakhang Maynila
Settlement type	Metropolitan area
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Philippines
Established title	Established
Established date	1975
Seat type	Regional center
Seat	Manila
Area total km2	619.57
Population total	13,484,462
Population as of	2020 census
Timezone	Philippine Standard Time

Metropolitan Manila is the densely urbanized capital region of the Philippines encompassing the historical city of Manila and surrounding cities and municipalities. Created in 1975 during the administration of Ferdinand Marcos through Presidential Decree No. 824, it functions as the political, cultural, and economic core of the nation, hosting national institutions such as the Malacañang Palace and the Senate of the Philippines. The region includes major urban centers like Quezon City, Makati, Pasig, and Taguig, and contains significant landmarks including Intramuros, Fort Santiago, and Rizal Park.

History

The territory comprising the present region was the center of precolonial polities such as Tondo (historical polity) and Maynila (kingdom), later becoming a colonial seat under the Spanish East Indies with fortifications like Intramuros and Fort Santiago. In the late 19th century, events such as the Philippine Revolution and the Battle of Manila (1898) reshaped administration, leading to American-era developments including the City of Manila urban plan by Daniel Burnham. During the Japanese occupation in World War II, the Battle of Manila (1945) caused extensive destruction; postwar reconstruction under the Reconstruction Finance Corporation and investments from institutions like the World Bank shifted growth to suburban areas. The Marcos administration consolidated municipal governments into a coordinated metropolitan body in 1975, influenced by international urban trends seen in regions like Greater London and Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, and subsequent administrations including those of Corazon Aquino and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have overseen decentralization reforms and infrastructure projects.

Geography and Urban Structure

The region occupies an alluvial plain along the eastern shore of Manila Bay and the western margin of the Pasig River and Laguna de Bay watershed, characterized by low-lying reclaimed areas such as Bay City and elevated pockets like Quezon City's Commonwealth Avenue corridor. Its 16 local government units include the cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, San Juan, Valenzuela, and the municipalities of Pateros and others; urban morphology ranges from high-density districts like Binondo and Ermita to planned developments such as Bonifacio Global City. Natural features and engineered systems like the Marikina River flood control projects and the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission influence land use, while climate influences from the Southwest Monsoon and Typhoon Haiyan-era records shape resilience planning.

Governance and Administration

Administration is divided among constituent local governments—mayors and city councils—operating under statutes enacted by the Congress of the Philippines and subject to the Philippine Constitution. Metropolitan coordination has been implemented through agencies such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and metropolitan-level plans executed in partnership with national departments like the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Transportation (Philippines). Electoral politics involve national parties like the Liberal Party (Philippines) and PDP–Laban, with notable political families including the Arroyo family and the Binay family shaping local governance. Interlocal compacts and legal instruments such as executive orders guide metropolitan services ranging from solid waste managed under programs linked to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to public safety coordinated with the Philippine National Police.

Demographics

The metropolitan population reflects diverse origins, with major ethnolinguistic groups like Tagalog people, migrants from Ilocos Region, Visayas, and Mindanao provinces, and expatriate communities from countries such as United States and China. Religious life centers on institutions like the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene and the Manila Cathedral, representing Roman Catholicism alongside communities of Iglesia ni Cristo and Islam in the Philippines adherents. Population density hotspots include Tondo and Quiapo, while suburbanization trends have expanded residential zones in Quezon City and Muntinlupa; demographic shifts are monitored by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Economy

The metropolitan area is the primary financial hub, hosting the Philippine Stock Exchange and central business districts such as Makati Central Business District, Ortigas Center, and Bonifacio Global City. Key industries include services driven by BPO, banking led by institutions like the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, retail anchored by malls such as SM Mall of Asia and Glorietta, and real estate development by conglomerates including Ayala Corporation and SM Prime Holdings. Tourism draws visitors to cultural sites like Rizal Park and events at venues like the World Trade Center Metro Manila, while challenges include housing pressures, informal settlements in areas like San Andres Bukid, and fiscal coordination with the Department of Finance (Philippines).

Transportation and Infrastructure

Transport networks center on arterial roads such as Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and expressways including the Skyway (Metro Manila), rail systems like the Manila Light Rail Transit System and Metro Rail Transit, and intermodal terminals at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Urban mobility projects have involved partnerships with foreign lenders like the Asian Development Bank and contractors from Japan and South Korea for extensions and new lines such as the MRT-7 and the Metro Manila Subway project. Utilities provisioning includes water services formerly managed by Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System concessions and power distribution companies like Manila Electric Company.

Culture and Landmarks

Cultural life draws on institutions such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines, museums like the National Museum of the Philippines and Ayala Museum, and performing venues including the Philippine International Convention Center. Historic districts like Intramuros, markets such as Quiapo Market, and culinary corridors along Escolta Street and Binondo reflect heritage from colonial, indigenous, and immigrant influences exemplified by events like the Feast of the Black Nazarene and festivals hosted at Rizal Park. Contemporary arts scenes thrive in neighborhoods like Cubao and Bonifacio Global City, while parks and public spaces including La Mesa Watershed Reservation and Punta Fuego coastal areas contribute to urban recreation.

Category:Metro Manila