View source for Metro Manila

{{Short description|Metropolitan area and region of the Philippines}} 
{{About|the capital region of the Philippines|the capital city|Manila|the historical region between 1571 and 1901|Manila (province)|other uses|Manila (disambiguation)}} 
{{Use Philippine  English|date=August 2024}} 
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
<!-- Infobox begins -->
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Metro Manila
| official_name      = National Capital Region
| native_name        = {{small|{{lang|fil|Kalakhang Maynila}}<br />{{lang|fil|Kamaynilaan}}}}
| native_name_lang   = fil
| settlement_type    = [[List of metropolitan areas in the Philippines|Metropolitan area]] and [[Regions of the Philippines|region]]
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
 | perrow        = 1/2/2/2
 | border        = infobox
 | total_width   = 300
 | caption_align = center
 | image1        = Makati City Lights (Jopet Sy) - Flickr.jpg
 | alt1          = Makati CBD
 | caption1      = [[Makati Central Business District]]
 | image2        = Quezon Monument in Quezon Memorial.jpg
 | alt2          = Quezon Memorial Shrine
 | caption2      = [[Quezon Memorial Shrine]]
 | image3        = Rizal Park (Manila; 12-31-2022).jpg
 | alt3          = Rizal Park known as Luneta Park
 | caption3      = [[Rizal Park]]
 | image4        = BGC - BHS Central Jan 8 2025.jpg
 | alt4          = Bonifacio High Street
 | caption4      = [[Bonifacio High Street]]
 | image5        = 
Ortigas Center (Met. Manila) - Flickr.jpg
 | alt5          = Ortigas Center at night
 | caption5      = [[Ortigas Center]]
 | image6        = Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Manila, Filipinas, 2023-08-27, DD 51.jpg
 | alt6          = National Museum of Fine Arts
 | caption6      = [[National Museum of Fine Arts (Manila)|National Museum of Fine Arts]]
 | image7        = 
View of Pasay City at SM Mall of Asia.tif
 | alt7          =  SM Mall of Asia
 | caption7      = [[SM Mall of Asia]]
 | image8        = Bonifacio Monument (Guillermo Tolentino).jpg
 | alt8          = Monumento
 | caption8      = [[Bonifacio Monument]]
 | image9        = 400 Year old Beauty.jpg
 | alt9          = University of Santo Tomas facade
 | caption9      = [[University of Santo Tomas]]
}}
| image_flag         = 
| image_seal         = 
| image_shield       = 
| coordinates        = {{coord|3=region:PH_type:adm2nd_source:GNS|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{PHL}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[List of islands of the Philippines|Island]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Luzon]]
| subdivision_type2  = Managing entity
| subdivision_name2  = [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]]
| established_title  = Established
| established_date   = November 7, 1975<ref name="PD824" /> {{small|(as a public corporation)}}<br />January 23, 1976 {{small|(as a region)}}<ref name="PD879">{{cite PH act|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1976/01/23/presidential-decree-no-879-s-1976|title=Dividing Region No. 4 of the Administrative Field Organization of the Various Departments and Agencies of the Government Into Region No. 4 and 4-A|chamber=PD|number=879|date=January 23, 1976|publisher=[[Official Gazette (Philippines)|The Official Gazette]]|accessdate=May 16, 2023|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516114650/https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1976/01/23/presidential-decree-no-879-s-1976|archivedate=May 16, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><br />June 2, 1978<ref name="PD1396" /> {{small|(as the NCR)}}
| motto              = ''Dangal nitong Bayan!''
| parts_type         = Composed of
| parts_style        = para
| p1                 = {{Collapsible list
  | title = 16 cities
  | 1  = [[Caloocan]]
  | 2  = [[Las Piñas]]
  | 3  = [[Makati]]
  | 4  = [[Malabon]]
  | 5  = [[Mandaluyong]]
  | 6  = [[Manila]]
  | 7  = [[Marikina]]
  | 8  = [[Muntinlupa]]
  | 9  = [[Navotas]]
  | 10 = [[Parañaque]]
  | 11 = [[Pasay]]
  | 12 = [[Pasig]]
  | 13 = [[Quezon City]]
  | 14 = [[San Juan, Metro Manila|San Juan]]
  | 15 = [[Taguig]]
  | 16 = [[Valenzuela, Metro Manila|Valenzuela]]
  }}
{{Collapsible list
  | title = 1 municipality
  | 1 = [[Pateros]]
}}
| government_type    = [[Metropolitan area|Metropolitan]] government under a [[Decentralization|decentralized]] framework<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Manasan |first1=Rosario |last2=Mercado |first2=Ruben |date=February 1999 |title=Governance and Urban Development: Case Study of Metro Manila |url=https://dirp3.pids.gov.ph/ris/pdf/pidsdps9903.PDF |url-status=live |journal=Philippine Institute for Development Studies Discussion Paper Series |issue=99–03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216210904/https://dirp3.pids.gov.ph/ris/pdf/pidsdps9903.PDF |archive-date=December 16, 2018 |access-date=December 15, 2018}}</ref>
| governing_body     = [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]]
| leader_party       = 
| leader_title       = [[Chairperson of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority|MMDA Chairman]]
| leader_name        = Romando Artes
| leader_title1      = Metro Manila Council President
| leader_name1       = [[Francis Zamora]]
| unit_pref          = Metric
<!-- square kilometers -->
| total_type         = Region
| area_total_km2     = 636.00
| area_metro_km2     = 
| area_water_km2     = 
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 
| population_total   = {{PH wikidata|population_total}}
| population_rank    = [[Regions of the Philippines|2nd]] Region in Philippines<br>[[List of Asian cities by population within city limits|10th]] in Asia
| population_as_of   = {{PH wikidata|population_as_of}}
| population_footnotes = {{PH census|2024}}
| population_density_km2 = {{#expr:14001751/636.00 round 1}}<!-- 2024 population_total / area_total_km2 -->
| population_metro   = 26700000
| population_metro_footnotes = <ref name="citypop-Aggs">{{Cite web |title=The Principal Agglomerations of the World |url=http://citypopulation.de/world/Agglomerations.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913144137/http://citypopulation.de/world/Agglomerations.html |archive-date=September 13, 2018 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |website=citypopulation.de}}</ref>
| population_demonym = English: Manilan, Manileño;<br />Spanish: ''manilense'',{{efn-la|This is the original Spanish, even used by José Rizal in ''El filibusterismo''.}} ''manileño''(-''a'')<br />Filipino: Manileño(-a), Manilenyo(-a), taga-Maynila
<!-- GDP --------------->
| demographics_type1 = GDP {{Nobold|(Nominal, 2024)}}
| demographics1_footnotes = 
| demographics1_title1 = Region
| demographics1_info1 = [[US$]]143.8&nbsp;billion<ref name="GDP">{{Cite web |title=2022 to 2024 Gross Regional Domestic Product|url=https://psa.gov.ph/system/files/pad/2024%20GRDP%20Publication.pdf |publisher=[[Philippine Statistics Authority]]}}</ref>
| demographics1_title2 = Per capita
| demographics1_info2 = US$10,426<ref name="GDP" />
| postal_code_type   = [[List of ZIP codes in the Philippines|ZIP code]]
| postal_code        = {{PH wikidata|postal_code}}
| area_code          = {{PH wikidata|area_code}}
| area_code_type     = {{areacodestyle}}
| blank_name_sec1    = [[Languages of the Philippines|Languages]]
| blank_info_sec1    = {{hlist | item-style=white-space:nowrap; | [[Filipino language|Filipino]] (official and lingua franca) | ''others'' }}
| blank2_name_sec2   = [[Human Development Index|HDI]]
| blank2_info_sec2   = {{increase}} 0.753 ({{fontcolor|Green|High}})<ref>{{cite web |title=Subnational HDI - Philippines - Table - Global Data Lab |url=https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/table/shdi/PHL/?levels=1+4&years=2023&interpolation=0&extrapolation=0 |website=globaldatalab.org |access-date=26 November 2025}}</ref>
| blank3_name_sec2   = HDI rank
| blank3_info_sec2   = [[List of Philippine provinces by Human Development Index|1st]] (2023)
| iso_code           = {{PH wikidata|iso_code}}
| website            = {{Official URL}}
| timezone           = [[Philippine Standard Time|PST]]
| utc_offset         = +8
| footnotes          = {{notelist-la}}
| mapframe = yes
| mapframe-zoom = 9
}}

'''Metropolitan Manila'''<ref name="PD824">{{cite PH act|url=https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/26/17327|title=Creating the Metropolitan Manila and the Metropolitan Manila Commission and for Other Purposes|chamber=PD|number=824|date=November 7, 1975|publisher=[[Supreme Court of the Philippines|Supreme Court E-Library]]|author=[[President of the Philippines]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710122045/https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/26/17327|archivedate=July 10, 2023|url-status=live|accessdate=July 10, 2023}}</ref> ({{langx|fil|Kalakhang Maynila}} {{IPA|fil|kalakˌhaŋ maɪˈnilaʔ|}}), commonly shortened to '''Metro Manila'''{{Efn|Or more simply, albeit less precisely, '''Manila'''.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Morley |first1=Ian |title=Manila |journal=Cities |date=February 2018 |volume=72 |pages=17–33 |doi=10.1016/j.cities.2017.07.022 |quote=Although the term Manila is typically used to describe Metro Manila, the City of Manila refers to the historic core of the built-up area that presently extends over 1400&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>. }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Palma |first=Klaudine |date=March 1, 2022 |title=City of Manila: What is old is new again |url=https://www.colliers.com/en-ph/news/old-is-new-again-manila-city |access-date=March 9, 2024 |publisher=[[Colliers (company)|Colliers]]}}</ref>}} and formally the '''National Capital Region''' ('''NCR''';<ref name="PD1396" /> {{langx|fil|link=no|Pambansang Punong Rehiyon}}),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mapa ng mga Wika (Rehiyon) - National Capital Region |url=https://kwf.gov.ph/mapa-ng-mga-wika-rehiyon/4/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923031758/https://kwf.gov.ph/mapa-ng-mga-wika-rehiyon/4/ |archive-date=September 23, 2021 |access-date=September 23, 2021 |publisher=[[Commission on the Filipino Language]]}}</ref> is the [[capital region]] and largest [[List of metropolitan areas in the Philippines|metropolitan area]] of the [[Philippines]]. Located on the eastern shore of [[Manila Bay]], the [[Regions of the Philippines|region]] lies between the [[Central Luzon]] and [[Calabarzon]] regions. Encompassing an area of {{cvt|636.00|km2|sp=us}} and with a population of {{nts|13484462}} as of 2020,{{PH census|2020}} it consists of sixteen [[Cities of the Philippines#Legal classification|highly urbanized cities]]: [[Manila]]—the [[Capital of the Philippines|capital city]]—[[Caloocan]], [[Las Piñas]], [[Makati]], [[Malabon]], [[Mandaluyong]], [[Marikina]], [[Muntinlupa]], [[Navotas]], [[Parañaque]], [[Pasay]], [[Pasig]], [[Quezon City]], [[San Juan, Metro Manila|San Juan]], [[Taguig]], and [[Valenzuela, Metro Manila|Valenzuela]], along with one independent municipality, [[Pateros]]. As the second most populous and the most densely populated region in the Philippines, it ranks as the [[List of metropolitan areas in Asia|7th most populous metropolitan area in Asia]] and the [[List of largest cities|8th most populous urban area in the world]].

The region is the center of [[Culture of the Philippines|culture]] (including arts and entertainment), [[Economy of the Philippines|economy]], [[Education in the Philippines|education]], and the [[Government of the Philippines|government]]. Designated as a [[Global city|global power city]], the region exerts a significant impact on commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment both locally and internationally. It is home to all embassies in the Philippines, making it an important center for international diplomacy in the country. Its economic power establishes the region as the country's premier center for finance and commerce. The region accounts for 36% of the [[gross domestic product]] (GDP) of the Philippines.<ref name=":1" /> [[Greater Manila Area|Greater Manila]] is the [[List of ASEAN country subdivisions by GDP|fourth largest ASEAN country subdivision by GDP]], after [[Singapore]], and the [[Jakarta metropolitan area|Jakarta]], and [[Bangkok Metropolitan Region|Bangkok]] metropolitan regions.

In 1975, in response to the need to sustain and provide integrated services to the growing population, the [[Greater Manila Area|built-up area centered on Manila]] was formally recognized as a metropolitan area through Presidential Decree No. 824.<ref name="PD824" /> A year later, Presidential Decree No. 879 established Metro Manila as an administrative region, retaining its earlier status as a metropolis, and designated it as ''Region IV'', with the remainder of the [[Southern Tagalog]] region being designated as Region IV-A.<ref name="PD879" /> Finally, in 1978, Metro Manila became the National Capital Region (NCR) of the Philippines, discontinuing its numerical designation and reverting Southern Tagalog to its original designation.<ref name="PD1396" />

==History==
{{See also|History of Manila}}
{{Further|Capital of the Philippines}}

===Kingdom of Maynila===
{{Further|Maynila (historical polity)}}[[File:Map of Manila 1570.png|left|thumb|300px|Map of ancient Manila in 1570. The polity of [[Maynila (historical polity)|Maynila]] shown in yellow.]]

[[Manila]], to the extent that it has this placename, was likely founded in the Middle Ages, in the early 16th century<ref name="Scott19942">{{cite book |last=Scott |first=William Henry |author-link=William Henry Scott (historian) |title=Barangay: Sixteenth Century Philippine Culture and Society |publisher=Ateneo de Manila University Press |year=1994 |isbn=971-550-135-4 |location=Quezon City}}</ref> due to the Sanskrit origin of the component "nila" in its name which refers to "indigo",<ref name="baumgartner">{{cite journal |last=Baumgartner |first=Joseph |date=March 1975 |title=Manila — Maynilad or Maynila? |journal=Philippine Quarterly of Culture and Society |volume=3 |issue=1 |pages=52–54 |jstor=29791188}}</ref> and the prevalence of the placename during the rule of [[Rajah Matanda]], the old king of [[Maynila (historical polity)|Maynila]], who was born somewhere between the late 15th century to the early 16th century. The earliest evidence of Hinduism and Sanskrit influence in maritime Southeast Asia is in Sanskrit inscriptions from the late 300s in eastern Kalimantan (or Borneo). This analysis of the placename is supported by many other nearby placenames in the Tagalog region with the prefix "may-".

[[Manila]] has historically been a [[global city]] due to its role in international trade. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Manila was a walled and fortified city and was the capital of the Kingdom of Luzon. Its institution, government, and economy were associated with the Tagalogs and the Kapampangans, and the Malay language was extensively used for foreign affairs as customary in much of Southeast Asia at the time. It was also well known in other Southeast Asian kingdoms such as Cebu, Brunei, Melaka, other Malay kingdoms, and Ternate, and its existence as a center of trade was widely known in East Asia as far as China and Japan.

In the current territory of Metropolitan Manila, there were several lordships that were either sovereign or tributary such as [[Kingdom of Tondo|Tondo]] (''Tundun''), [[Navotas]] (''Nabútas''), [[Malabon|Tambobong]] (''Tambúbong''), [[Taguig]] (''Tagiig''), [[Parañaque]] (''Palanyág'') and [[Cainta (historical polity)|Cainta]] (''Kaintâ'').<ref name="B&R3Anonymous1572">{{cite book |chapter=Relation of the Conquest of the Island of Luzon |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T4NEAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA141 |title=The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T4NEAQAAMAAJ |publisher=Arthur H. Clark Company |year=1903 |editor-last=Blair |editor-first=Emma Helen |editor-link=Emma Helen Blair |volume=3 |location=Ohio, Cleveland |pages=145 |editor-last2=Robertson |editor-first2=James Alexander |editor-link2=James Alexander Robertson}}</ref>

Shortly after Rajah Matanda's birth, sometime around the early 16th century while he was ''rajahmuda'' or heir apparent, his father, the King of Luzon, died, leaving his mother as the queen regent of Luzon.<ref name="AganduruMoriz1882">{{Cite book |last=de Aganduru Moriz |first=Rodrigo |title=Historia general de las Islas Occidentales a la Asia adyacentes, llamadas Philipinas |series=Colección de Documentos inéditos para la historia de España, v.78-79. |publisher=Impr. de Miguel Ginesta |year=1882 |location=Madrid}}</ref> By 1511, Luzonians had been carrying out large-scale trade at least within maritime Southeast Asia with Luzonians being hired as officials in Melaka and merchants gaining royal favors in Brunei. It was in Melaka that Luzonians met the Portuguese before their eventual conquest of Melaka in 1511. Rajah Matanda, in 1521, was known in maritime Southeast Asia as the son of the King of Luzon. He married a princess of Brunei and served as an admiral for his grandfather, the Sultan of Brunei, in an attack near Java in exchange for soldiers and a fleet of ships. On the way home, he met and had an encounter with a Castilian fleet.<ref name="AganduruMoriz18822">{{Cite book |last=de Aganduru Moriz |first=Rodrigo |year=1882 |title=Historia general de las Islas Occidentales a la Asia adyacentes, llamadas Philipinas |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hGJCHnA0ck0C |series=Colección de Documentos inéditos para la historia de España, v. 78-79. |location=Madrid |publisher=Impr. de Miguel Ginesta |oclc=24425618}}</ref>

Some Luzonians in the 1500s had also been taking part in mercenary work in other kingdoms. The Luzonians' commercial influence also reached as far as Butuan. By the 1570s, the ruling class of Manila together with the international Luzonian merchants were Muslim and Islam was spreading through the freemen and the slaves.

On May 24, 1570, the battle of Manila was fought between the Kingdom of Luzon, under the command of the heir apparent Prince Sulayman, and the Kingdom of Spain, under the command of field marshal Martin de Goiti who was aided by some foreign forces. This resulted in the arson and destruction of Manila.<ref name="B&R3Anonymous1572" />

===Spanish rule===
{{Main|Manila (province)}}

[[File:Puerta De Santa Lucia Manila Philippines.jpg|right|thumb|Santa Lucia gate entrance to the original walled city of Manila. (Intramuros)]]
{{Image frame
 | width = 220
 | align = right
 | content = [[File:Manila Province.jpg|220px]]
 | caption = A map of [[Manila (province)|the province of Manila]] during Spanish rule
}}

After destroying Manila, the Spanish set up a settlement to secure territory on the same site on the Luzon island for the Spanish ruler. Initially enclosed in wood, much later in stone, a new walled city of Manila became the capital of the Spanish East Indies. After setting up a settlement and consolidating some territorial holdings outwards, the Spanish instituted a province known as [[Manila (province)|Manila]].<ref name="B&R3Anonymous1572" />

Later on, the [[Manila galleon]] continually sailed the Pacific from end-to-end, bringing to [[Mexico]] Asian merchandise and cultural exchange.


{{Image label begin|image=Metro_Manila_location_map.svg|width=350|}}
<!--Places-->
{{Image label small|x=0.41 |y=0.54 |scale=150|text=[[Caloocan]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.33 |y=1.37 |scale=350|text=[[Las Piñas]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.40 |y=1.09 |scale=350|text=[[Pasay|Malibay]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.18 |y=0.81 |scale=350|text=[[Intramuros, Manila|Manila]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.76 |y=0.57 |scale=350|text=[[Marikina|Mariquina]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.83 |y=0.21 |scale=350|text=[[Rodriguez, Rizal|Montalban]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.47 |y=1.53 |scale=350|text=[[Muntinlupa]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.08 |y=0.47 |scale=350|text=[[Navotas]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.57 |y=0.23 |scale=350|text=[[Novaliches]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.36 |y=1.24 |scale=350|text=[[Parañaque]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.75 |y=0.87 |scale=350|text=[[Pasig]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.65 |y=1.01 |scale=350|text=[[Pateros]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.29 |y=1.00 |scale=350|text=[[Pasay|Pineda]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.55 |y=0.86 |scale=350|text=[[Mandaluyong|San Felipe<br/>Neri]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.57 |y=0.71 |scale=350|text=[[San Juan, Metro Manila|San Juan<br/>del Monte]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.83 |y=0.43 |scale=350|text=[[San Mateo, Rizal|San Mateo]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.40 |y=0.96 |scale=350|text=[[Makati|San Pedro Macati]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.58 |y=1.09 |scale=350|text=[[Taguig]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.22 |y=0.50 |scale=350|text=[[Malabon|Tambobong]]}}
<!---Manila Suburbs--->
{{Image label small|x=0.14 |y=0.77 |scale=350|text=[[Binondo]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.34 |y=0.81 |scale=350|text=[[Paco, Manila|Dilao]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.24 |y=0.85 |scale=350|text=[[Ermita]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.26 |y=0.89 |scale=350|text=[[Malate, Manila|Malate]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.44 |y=0.79 |scale=350|text=[[Pandacan]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.30 |y=0.78 |scale=350|text=[[Quiapo, Manila|Quiapo]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.36 |y=0.68 |scale=350|text=[[Sampaloc, Manila|Sampaloc]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.39 |y=0.75 |scale=350|text=[[San Miguel, Manila|San Miguel]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.38 |y=0.87 |scale=350|text=[[Santa Ana, Manila|Santa Ana]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.21 |y=0.74 |scale=350|text=[[Santa Cruz, Manila|Santa Cruz]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.17 |y=0.68 |scale=350|text=[[Tondo, Manila|Tondo]]}}
<!---Provinces--->
{{Image label small|x=0.15 |y=0.18 |scale=350|text=[[Bulacan]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.15 |y=1.57 |scale=350|text=[[Cavite]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.53 |y=1.77 |scale=350|text=[[Laguna (province)|Laguna]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.72 |y=1.45 |scale=350|text=''[[Laguna de Bay]]''}}
{{Image label small|x=0.05 |y=0.95 |scale=350|text=''[[Manila Bay]]''}}
{{Image label small|x=0.83 |y=0.85 |scale=350|text=[[Morong (district)|MORONG DISTRICT]]}}
{{image label end}}


Outside the [[Intramuros|Walled city of Manila]] has become the city's suburbs known as Extramuros (Outside the wall) made up of several pueblos, altogether making up the province known as Tondo which was established in January 1571 and would later on, be renamed as the province of Manila in 1859 with the city of Manila (Intramuros) as its capital.<ref name="manilanotes">{{cite book |author=United States. Adjutant-General's Office. Military Information Division |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ll4vAAAAYAAJ&q=manila&pg=PR6 |title=Military notes on the Philippines: September 1898 |publisher=Government Printing Office |year=1898 |location=Washington |issue=20}}</ref><ref name="rizalhistory1">{{cite news |title=Journey to the Past |url=https://www.rizalprovince.ph/pages/history.html |accessdate=February 8, 2023 |website=Rizal Provincial Government}}</ref><ref name="manilashift">{{cite book |last1=Macdonald |first1=Charles J-H. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x-OAJJNfD_kC&q=shifts+manila&pg=PA318 |title=Old ties and new solidarities: studies on Philippine communities |last2=Pesigan |first2=Guillermo M. |publisher=ADMU Press |year=2000 |isbn=9789715503518}}</ref><ref>{{cite PH act|url=https://lawyerly.ph/laws/view/l8b5e|chamber=Act|number=183|date=31 July 1901|title=An act to incorporate the City of Manila|access-date=13 July 2021}}</ref>

===First Philippine Republic===
In the First Philippine Republic, the province included the walled city of Manila and 23 other municipalities. [[Marikina|Mariquina]] also served as the provincial capital of Manila from 1898 to 1899. However, despite almost the entirety of the territory being occupied by Philippine forces, the walled city of Manila was occupied by Spanish forces.

===American rule===
====Creation of the province of Rizal====
During American rule, the province was dissolved and most of it was incorporated into the newly created province of [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]] on June 11, 1901, by Act No. 137.<ref>{{Cite PH act |url=https://lawyerly.ph/laws/view/l2485 |date=June 11, 1901 |title=An Act Extending the Provisions of the Provincial Government Act to the Province of Rizal |chamber=Act |number=137 |access-date=May 26, 2023 |archive-date=August 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814142946/https://lawyerly.ph/laws/view/l2485 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the current territory of Metropolitan Manila, the towns of [[Caloocan]], [[Las Piñas]], [[Marikina|Mariquina]] (now Marikina), [[Pasig]], [[Parañaque]], [[Malabon]], [[Navotas]], [[San Juan, Metro Manila|San Juan del Monte]] (now San Juan), [[Makati|San Pedro de Macati]] (now Makati), [[Mandaluyong|San Felipe Neri]] (now Mandaluyong), [[Muntinlupa]] and the [[Taguig]]-[[Pateros]] area were designated to Rizal, with Pasig being the provincial capital. On the other hand, [[Valenzuela, Metro Manila|Polo]] (now Valenzuela) remained in [[Bulacan]].

Manila in 1901 was composed of [[Binondo]], [[Ermita]], [[Intramuros]], [[Malate, Manila|Malate]], Manila, [[Pandacan]], [[Quiapo, Manila|Quiapo]], [[Sampaloc, Manila|Sampaloc]], [[Paco, Manila|San Fernando de Dilao]], [[San Miguel, Manila|San Miguel]], [[San Nicolas, Manila|San Nicolas]], [[Santa Ana, Manila|Santa Ana de Sapa]], [[Santa Cruz, Manila|Santa Cruz]], and [[Tondo, Manila|Tondo]].<ref>{{cite PH act|chamber=Act|number=183|title=An act to incorporate the City of Manila|url=https://lawyerly.ph/laws/view/l8b5e|date=July 31, 1901|access-date=May 26, 2023|archive-date=October 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002020316/https://lawyerly.ph/laws/view/l8b5e|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the American rule, the American [[architect]] [[Daniel Burnham]] was commissioned to propose a [[Burnham Plan of Manila|Plan of Manila]] for the Philippine government. 

===Philippine Commonwealth===
In 1939, during the [[Commonwealth of the Philippines|Philippine Commonwealth]], President [[Manuel L. Quezon]] established [[Quezon City]] with the objective of replacing [[Manila]] as the capital city of the Philippines. A design for Quezon City was completed. The establishment of Quezon City meant the abandonment of Burnham's design for Manila, with funds being diverted for the establishment of the new capital

===Japanese invasion and Second Philippine Republic===
====Creation of the city of Greater Manila====
{{Main|City of Greater Manila}}

[[File:City of Greater Manila map.jpg|thumb|Map of the City of Greater Manila that existed from 1942 to 1945]] 
In 1942, during the [[World War II]], [[President of the Philippines|President]] [[Manuel L. Quezon]] created the [[City of Greater Manila]] as an emergency measure, merging the cities of Manila and Quezon City, along with the municipalities of [[Caloocan]], [[Makati]], [[Mandaluyong]], [[Parañaque]], [[Pasay]], and [[San Juan, Metro Manila|San Juan]].<ref name="eo400">{{cite PH act|chamber=EO|number=400, s. 1942|title=Creating the City of Greater Manila|date=January 1, 1942|accessdate=August 24, 2022|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1942/01/01/executive-order-no-400-s-1942/|archive-date=July 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701173652/https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1942/01/01/executive-order-no-400-s-1942/|url-status=live}}</ref> Furthermore, Manila was divided into the districts of Bagumbuhay, Bagumpanahon, Bagumbayan, and Bagungdiwa, while Quezon City was divided into the districts of Diliman and Balintawak.<ref>{{cite map |author = |title = Map of the City of Manila |trans-title = |map = |map-url = |date = |year = 1942 |url =https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/210327135441-504a42fce9e9c0dafe948e678988e3b0/v1/68eac8a829832842ad677a95008f9037.jpg |scale = 1:40,000 |series = |publisher = Division of Drafting and Surveys, Office of the City Engineer and Architect, City of Manila |cartography = |page = |pages = |section = |sections = |inset = |edition = |location = |language = |format = |isbn = |id = |access-date =August 24, 2022 }}</ref> [[Jorge B. Vargas]] was appointed as its first mayor. Mayors in the municipalities and heads in the city districts included in the City of Greater Manila served as district chiefs. This was to ensure that Vargas, who was Quezon's principal lieutenant for administrative matters, would have a position of authority recognized under international military law. The City of Greater Manila served as a model for the present-day Metro Manila and the administrative functions of the Governor of Metro Manila that was established during the Marcos administration. 

After World War II, in 1945, President [[Sergio Osmeña]] signed Executive Order No. 58, which dissolved the city of Greater Manila instituted by former President Quezon.<ref name="eo58">{{cite PH act|chamber=EO|number=58, s. 1945|title=Reducing the Territory of the City of Greater Manila|date=July 25, 1945|accessdate=August 24, 2022|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1945/07/26/executive-order-no-58-s-1945/|archive-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308195829/https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1945/07/26/executive-order-no-58-s-1945/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Third Philippine Republic===
====Creation of the National Capital Region====
[[World War II]] resulted in the loss of more than 100,000 lives in the [[Battle of Manila (1945)|battle of Manila]] in 1945. Most of the developments in Burnham's design were also destroyed. Later on, Quezon City was eventually declared as the [[national capital]] in 1948 and later expanded to the areas formerly under the jurisdiction of Caloocan, Marikina, and [[San Mateo, Rizal]]. 

====Reinstitution as Metropolitan Manila under martial law====
On February 27, 1975, a [[1975 Philippine executive and legislative powers referendum|referendum]] was held wherein residents of Greater Manila approved granting President [[Ferdinand Marcos]] the authority to restructure the local governments into an integrated system like a manager-commission for under such terms and conditions as he may decide. On November 7, 1975, Metro Manila was formally established through Presidential Decree No. 824. The Metropolitan Manila Commission was also created to manage the region.<ref name="PD824" /> On June 2, 1978, through Presidential Decree No. 1396, the metropolitan area was declared the National Capital Region of the Philippines.<ref name="PD1396">{{cite PH act|url=https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/26/16961|title=Creating the Department of Human Settlements and the Human Settlements Development Corporation, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and Accordingly Amending Certain Presidential Decrees|chamber=PD|number=1396|date=1978-06-02|publisher=[[Supreme Court of the Philippines|Supreme Court E-Library]]|accessdate=2023-07-10|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710122046/https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/26/16961|archivedate=2023-07-10|url-status=live}}</ref> When Metro Manila was established, there were four cities, [[Manila]], [[Quezon City]], [[Caloocan]], [[Pasay]] and the thirteen municipalities of [[Las Piñas]], [[Makati]], [[Malabon]], [[Mandaluyong]], [[Marikina]], [[Muntinlupa]], [[Navotas]], [[Parañaque]], [[Pasig]], [[Pateros]], [[San Juan, Metro Manila|San Juan]], [[Taguig]], and [[Valenzuela, Philippines|Valenzuela]]. At present, all but one of these municipalities have become independent chartered cities; only Pateros still remains as a [[Municipalities of the Philippines|municipality]].

President Marcos appointed his wife, [[First Spouse of the Philippines|First Lady]] [[Imelda Marcos]], as the first [[governor of Metro Manila]] in 1975, with her holding the position until 1986. As governor, she launched the [[City of Man]] campaign, with the [[Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex]], Metropolitan [[Tanghalang Francisco Balagtas|Folk Arts Theater]], [[Philippine International Convention Center]], [[Coconut Palace]] and healthcare facilities such as the [[Lung Center of the Philippines]], [[Philippine Heart Center]], and the [[National Kidney and Transplant Institute|Kidney Center of the Philippines]] all being constructed precisely for this purpose. 

The capital of the Philippines was re-designated to [[Manila]] in 1976 through Presidential Decree No. 940. The decree states that Manila has always been, to the Filipino people and in the eyes of the world, the premier city of the Philippines, being the center of trade, commerce, education, and culture. While the then-newly formed region was designated as the [[seat of government]].<ref>{{cite PH act|chamber=PD|number=940|url=http://www.chanrobles.com/presidentialdecrees/presidentialdecreeno940.html#.UXU0i8qwV7k|title=Establishing Manila as the Capital of the Philippines and as the Permanent Seat of the National Government |date=June 24, 1976|publisher=Chan C. Robles Virtual Law Library|access-date=April 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307060640/http://www.chanrobles.com/presidentialdecrees/presidentialdecreeno940.html#.UXU0i8qwV7k|archive-date=March 7, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Fourth Philippine Republic===
President Marcos was overthrown in a [[Nonviolence|non-violent]] revolution along [[EDSA]], which lasted four days in late February 1986. The popular uprising, now known as the [[People Power Revolution]], made international headlines as "the revolution that surprised the world".<ref name="Gandhi">{{Cite book |last=Kumar |first=Ravindra |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lTNpstqGlAMC&pg=PA168 |title=Mahatma Gandhi At The Close Of Twentieth Century |publisher=Anmol Publications Pvt. Ltd |year=2004 |isbn=978-81-261-1736-9 |page=168 |access-date=February 3, 2018 |archive-date=October 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021155851/https://books.google.com/books?id=lTNpstqGlAMC&pg=PA168 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Fifth Philippine Republic===
In 1986, President [[Corazon Aquino]] laid down the Executive Order No. 392, reorganizing and changing the structure of the Metropolitan Manila Commission and renamed it to the Metropolitan Manila Authority. [[Mayors of Metro Manila|Mayors]] in the metropolis chose from among themselves the chair of the agency. Later on, it was again reorganized in 1995 through Republic Act No. 7924, creating the present-day [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]]. The chairperson of the agency would be appointed by the President and should not have a concurrent elected position such as mayor. Elfren Cruz was the last to serve as the Officer-In-Charge governor of Metro Manila.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Was Marcos right? Do we need a governor for Metro Manila? |url=http://www.interaksyon.com/article/40147/roundtable--was-marcos-right-do-we-need-a-governor-for-metro-manila |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151158/http://www.interaksyon.com/article/40147/roundtable--was-marcos-right-do-we-need-a-governor-for-metro-manila |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=March 27, 2015 |publisher=[[News5|InterAksyon]]}}</ref>

Throughout 1988, unemployment among the country's regions was highest in Metro Manila, with 20.1% of the region's workforce being jobless according to the [[Department of Labor and Employment]] (DOLE) and the [[Philippine Statistics Authority|National Statistics Office]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=de Jesus |first=Sandra |date=January 3, 1988 |title=DOLE: 10.6% unemployed |page=2 |work=[[Manila Standard]] |publisher=Standard Publications, Inc. |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8cBNEdFwSQkC&dat=19880103&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=October 31, 2021 |archive-date=October 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030175450/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8cBNEdFwSQkC&dat=19880103&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 10, 1988 |title=619,000 in Metro looking for jobs |page=11 |work=[[Manila Standard]] |publisher=Manila Standard News, Inc. |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lZxOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=jAsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6620%2C790264 |access-date=February 6, 2022 |quote=Using January as a reference point, NSO notes a deterioration in the city's [sic] employment situation since there were 2.392 million job holders at the start of the year compared with the 2.329 million employed counted at middle of the year. |archive-date=February 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206043100/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lZxOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=jAsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6620,790264 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2014, then-MMDA chairman [[Francis Tolentino]] proposed that [[San Pedro, Laguna]] be included in Metro Manila as its 18th member city. Tolentino said that in the first meeting of the MMDA Council of mayors in January 2015, he would push for the inclusion of the city to the [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority|MMDA]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 30, 2014 |title=San Pedro City eyed as 18th member of MMDA |work=[[Manila Bulletin]] |url=http://www.mb.com.ph/san-pedro-city-eyed-as-18th-member-of-mmda/ |url-status=dead |access-date=March 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231114421/http://www.mb.com.ph/san-pedro-city-eyed-as-18th-member-of-mmda/ |archive-date=December 31, 2014}}</ref> Senator [[Koko Pimentel|Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III]] filed Senate Bill No. 3029, which seeks to create San Pedro as a separate legislative district to commence in the next national and local elections if the bill was passed into law.<ref name=":0">{{Cite press release |title=Koko seeks the creation of San Pedro City as a separate congressional district |date=January 4, 2016 |url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2016/0104_pimentel1.asp |access-date=September 8, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907183015/http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2016/0104_pimentel1.asp |archive-date=September 7, 2018 |website=Senate of the Philippines}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2015 |title=Senate Bill No. 3029: An Act Separating the City of San Pedro from The First Legislative District of The Province of Laguna To Constitute the Lone Legislative of San Pedro |url=https://www.senate.gov.ph/lis/bill_res.aspx?congress=16&q=SBN-3029 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908130756/http://www.senate.gov.ph/lis/bill_res.aspx?congress=16&q=SBN-3029 |archive-date=September 8, 2018 |access-date=September 17, 2018}}</ref>

In April 2022, Makati [[Makati–Taguig boundary dispute|lost the territorial dispute]] with Taguig regarding the Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation, which was ruled with finality a year later in April 2023. The entire military reservation which includes [[Bonifacio Global City]], and the ten [[Embo, Taguig|Enlisted Men's Barrios (EMBO)]] barangays, were declared as part of [[Taguig]]. The ten EMBO barangays were reintegrated to Taguig in 2023.<ref name="laud">{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/4/3/taguig-lgu-lauds-sc-decision-over-fort-bonifacio-ownership|title=Taguig LGU lauds SC decision over Fort Bonifacio ownership|first=Jonathan|last=Hicap|date=April 3, 2023|work=Manila Bulletin}}</ref><ref name="cayabyab">{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/04/05/2256966/makati-raises-constitutional-issues-bgc-land-dispute|title=Makati raises 'constitutional' issues in BGC land dispute|first=Marc Jayson|last=Cayabyab|date=April 5, 2023|accessdate=April 6, 2023|work=The Philippine Star}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Caliwan |first=Christopher Lloyd |date=November 8, 2023 |title=DILG's Taguig office to take control of 10 EMBO villages |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1213248 |work=Philippine News Agency |access-date=November 9, 2023}}</ref>

==Geography==
{{See also|Geography of Manila|Land reclamation in Metro Manila}}

[[File:Metro Manila Elevation Map.png|thumb|Metropolitan Manila, or the National Capital Region, is divided morphologically into three major parts. These are the: Central Plateau, Coastal Lowland, and Marikina Valley]]

Metro Manila is located in the southwestern portion of [[Luzon]]. The region lies along the flat [[Alluvium|alluvial]] lands extending from the mouth of the [[Pasig River]] in the west to the higher rugged lands of Marikina Valley in the east. The region is geographically divided into 4 zones: the Coastal Margin, Guadalupe Plateau, Marikina Valley, and the Laguna Lowlands.

The Coastal Margin or Lowland is a flat and low plain that faces [[Manila Bay]]. Located here is [[Manila]], [[Navotas]], parts of [[Malabon]], and the western part and reclaimed areas of [[Pasay]] and [[Parañaque]], where the ground elevation ranges from zero meters on Manila Bay to {{convert|5|m|sp=us|spell=in}} at the west side of the cities of [[Mandaluyong]] and [[Makati]]. The Coastal Lowland possesses resources for offshore fisheries and fishpond development, and various [[land reclamation|reclamation projects]] in the area are meant for mixed-use urban development.

The Central or Guadalupe Plateau is the most adaptable to urban development activities not only because of its solid geographical foundations but also because of its existing infrastructure links with the rest of Luzon. It is mainly residential and includes the densely populated areas of Metro Manila such [[San Juan, Metro Manila|San Juan]], [[Makati]] and [[Quezon City]], as well as most parts of [[Caloocan]] and [[Mandaluyong]]. The ground elevation ranges from {{convert|20|to|40|m|sp=us}} and gradually becomes lower towards its western side, while ground elevation ranges from {{convert|70|to|100|m|sp=us}} towards the northwestern side of the plateau. The area becomes narrower along the [[Pasig River]].

The Marikina Valley is a [[floodplain]] along the [[Marikina River]] and a delta along [[Laguna de Bay]]. Its elevation ranges from {{convert|2|m|sp=us|spell=in}} on the Laguna de Bay side to {{convert|30|m|sp=us}} on its north side towards Montalban. It is surrounded by the Central Plateau and mountains of Rizal. It has fertile land suitable for crop cultivation while the [[Marikina River]] provides water for industrial uses and discharge.

The Laguna Lowlands is not only suitable for [[agriculture]] and [[aquaculture]] but also for industrial activity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 2010 |title=Metro Manila and Its 200KM Radius Sphere |url=https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/12001491_02.pdf |access-date=November 13, 2020 |publisher=Japan International Cooperation Agency |archive-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114110845/https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/12001491_02.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Natural hazards===
[[File:Pasig-marikina_river_drainagebasin.png|thumb|left|Drainage map of the [[Pasig River|Pasig]]-[[Marikina River]] system]]
[[File:ManggahanFloodwayOndoy.jpg|thumb|Flooding brought by [[Typhoon Ketsana]] (Tropical Storm Ondoy) in 2009 caused 484 deaths in Metro Manila alone.]]

Metro Manila is exposed to multiple natural hazards such as [[earthquake]]s, [[flood]]s, and [[typhoon]]s. It is surrounded by active [[Fault (geology)|faults]] including the [[Marikina Valley Fault System]]. Other distant faults such as the [[Philippine Fault System|Philippine Faults]], Lubang Faults, [[Manila Trench]] and Casiguran Faults, are a threat as well.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lila Ramos Shahani |date=May 11, 2015 |title=Living on a Fault Line: Manila in a 7.2 Earthquake |work=[[The Philippine Star]] |url=http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2015/05/11/1453392/living-fault-line-manila-7.2-earthquake |url-status=dead |access-date=May 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518090248/http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2015/05/11/1453392/living-fault-line-manila-7.2-earthquake |archive-date=May 18, 2015}}</ref> Flooding is recurrent every year especially in low-lying areas of [[Valenzuela, Metro Manila|Valenzuela]], [[Malabon]], [[Caloocan]], [[Navotas]], [[Manila]], [[Pasay]], [[Parañaque]], and [[Las Piñas]], where flood are generally linked with the [[tide|tidal movements]] in [[Manila Bay]]. Meanwhile, [[Marikina]], [[Pasig]], [[Taguig]], and [[Pateros]] are areas inland that are also prone to flooding. These areas are located along the Marikina Valley where there is poor soil drainage and a shallow [[water table]] due to being in proximity to Laguna Bay's shores. Flood risks are generally lower in cities along the Guadalupe Plateau, including [[Quezon City]], [[San Juan, Metro Manila|San Juan]], [[Makati]], [[Mandaluyong]] and [[Muntinlupa]], where volcanic rocks rise up to {{convert|40|to|70|m|sp=us}} above sea level.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Pornasdoro |first1=Karlo |last2=Silva |first2=Liz |last3=Munárriz |first3=Maria Lourdes |last4=Estepa |first4=Beau |last5=Capaque |first5=Curtis |title=Flood Risk of Metro Manila Barangays: A GIS Based Risk Assessment Using Multi-Criteria Techniques |url=https://conference.surp.upd.edu.ph/downloads/JURP1/JURP_04_PORNASDORO_arial_lines_05a.pdf |journal=Journal in Urban and Regional Planning |volume=1 |issue=2014 |pages=51–72 |access-date=November 17, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107124213/https://conference.surp.upd.edu.ph/downloads/JURP1/JURP_04_PORNASDORO_arial_lines_05a.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Around five to seven typhoons hit Manila yearly. [[Manila]] was ranked as the second riskiest capital city after [[Tokyo]] to live in according to [[Swiss Re]].<ref name="SD:MVF">{{Cite news |last=Lozada |first=Bong |date=March 27, 2014 |title=Metro Manila is world's second riskiest capital to live in–poll |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/589526/manila-is-worlds-second-riskiest-city-to-live-in-poll |url-status=live |access-date=April 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307075903/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/589526/manila-is-worlds-second-riskiest-city-to-live-in-poll |archive-date=March 7, 2016}}</ref>

===Climate===
According to the [[Köppen climate classification]], there are two climates in Metro Manila. Most of the region has a [[tropical savanna climate|tropical wet and dry climate]] (Köppen climate classification Aw) while the northeastern part of the region that lies on the foothills of [[Sierra Madre (Philippines)|Sierra Madre]] has a [[tropical monsoon climate]]. Together with the rest of the Philippines, Manila lies entirely within the tropics. Its proximity to the [[equator]] means that temperatures are hot year-round, rarely going below 15&nbsp;°C or above 39&nbsp;°C. Temperature extremes have ranged from 14.4&nbsp;°C on January 11, 1914,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Temperatures drop further in Baguio, MM |work=[[Philippine Star]] |url=http://www.philstar.com:8080/nation/2014/01/01/1273885/temperatures-drop-further-baguio-mm |url-status=dead |access-date=October 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025102904/http://www.philstar.com:8080/nation/2014/01/01/1273885/temperatures-drop-further-baguio-mm |archive-date=October 25, 2014}}</ref> to 38.8&nbsp;°C on April 27, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Philippines endure extreme heat until mid May |url=https://qa.philstar.com/headlines/2024/04/28/2351079/philippines-endure-extreme-heat-until-mid-may |access-date=April 28, 2024 |publisher=[[Philstar.com]]}}</ref>

Humidity levels are usually very high all year round. Manila has a distinct [[dry season]] from December through April, and a relatively lengthy [[wet season]] that covers the remaining period with slightly cooler temperatures. In the wet season, it rarely rains all day, but rainfall is very heavy during short periods. [[Typhoon]]s usually occur from June to September.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manila |url=http://jeepneyguide.com/manila/travel-guide |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822140435/http://jeepneyguide.com/manila/travel-guide |archive-date=August 22, 2016 |access-date=March 4, 2014 |publisher=Jeepneyguide}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=April 2019}}
{{Weather box
|location = Port Area, Manila (1981–2010, extremes 1885–2023)
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|collapsed = Yes
|temperature colour =
| Jan record high C = 36.5
| Feb record high C = 35.6
| Mar record high C = 36.8
| Apr record high C = 38.0
| May record high C = 38.6
| Jun record high C = 37.6
| Jul record high C = 37.0
| Aug record high C = 35.6
| Sep record high C = 35.3
| Oct record high C = 35.8
| Nov record high C = 35.6
| Dec record high C = 34.6
|year record high C = 38.6
|Jan high C = 29.6
|Feb high C = 30.6
|Mar high C = 32.1
|Apr high C = 33.5
|May high C = 33.2
|Jun high C = 32.2
|Jul high C = 31.2
|Aug high C = 30.8
|Sep high C = 31.0
|Oct high C = 31.1
|Nov high C = 30.9
|Dec high C = 29.8
|year high C = 31.3
|Jan mean C = 26.7
|Feb mean C = 27.4
|Mar mean C = 28.7
|Apr mean C = 30.1
|May mean C = 30.0
|Jun mean C = 29.3
|Jul mean C = 28.5
|Aug mean C = 28.3
|Sep mean C = 28.4
|Oct mean C = 28.4
|Nov mean C = 28.0
|Dec mean C = 27.0
|year mean C = 28.4
|Jan low C = 23.8
|Feb low C = 24.2
|Mar low C = 25.3
|Apr low C = 26.6
|May low C = 26.9
|Jun low C = 26.4
|Jul low C = 25.9
|Aug low C = 25.8
|Sep low C = 25.7
|Oct low C = 25.7
|Nov low C = 25.1
|Dec low C = 24.2
|year low C = 25.5
| Jan record low C = 14.5
| Feb record low C = 15.6
| Mar record low C = 16.2
| Apr record low C = 17.2
| May record low C = 20.0
| Jun record low C = 20.1
| Jul record low C = 19.4
| Aug record low C = 18.0
| Sep record low C = 20.2
| Oct record low C = 19.5
| Nov record low C = 16.8
| Dec record low C = 15.7
|year record low C = 14.5
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 17.3
| Feb rain mm = 14.2
| Mar rain mm = 15.8
| Apr rain mm = 23.7
| May rain mm = 147.2
| Jun rain mm = 253.5
| Jul rain mm = 420.5
| Aug rain mm = 432.4
| Sep rain mm = 355.1
| Oct rain mm = 234.8
| Nov rain mm = 121.7
| Dec rain mm = 67.4
|year rain mm = 2103.6
|unit rain days = 0.1 mm
|Jan rain days = 4
|Feb rain days = 3
|Mar rain days = 3
|Apr rain days = 4
|May rain days = 10
|Jun rain days = 17
|Jul rain days = 21
|Aug rain days = 21
|Sep rain days = 20
|Oct rain days = 17
|Nov rain days = 12
|Dec rain days = 7
|year rain days = 139
|Jan humidity = 72
|Feb humidity = 69
|Mar humidity = 67
|Apr humidity = 66
|May humidity = 71
|Jun humidity = 76
|Jul humidity = 79
|Aug humidity = 81
|Sep humidity = 80
|Oct humidity = 78
|Nov humidity = 75
|Dec humidity = 74
|year humidity = 74
|Jan sun = 177
|Feb sun = 198
|Mar sun = 226
|Apr sun = 258
|May sun = 223
|Jun sun = 162
|Jul sun = 133
|Aug sun = 133
|Sep sun = 132
|Oct sun = 158
|Nov sun = 153
|Dec sun = 152
|year sun = 2105
|source 1 = [[Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration|PAGASA]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Port Area Manila Climatological Normal Values |url=https://data.gov.ph/?q=dataset/climatological-normal-values/resource/d5d9e8a2-2596-4b64-8d3c-fc2b050d7f1a |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919043821/https://data.gov.ph/sites/default/files/pagasanormvalportareamnl1981-2010.csv |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |access-date=September 19, 2018 |publisher=Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Port Area Manila Climatological Extremes |url=https://data.gov.ph/?q=dataset/climatological-extremes/resource/bde2cd7e-1c5b-4df9-aab3-eae13062e1fc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919043856/https://data.gov.ph/sites/default/files/pagasaclimextrportareamnl.csv |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |access-date=September 19, 2018 |publisher=Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration}}</ref>
|source 2 = [[Danish Meteorological Institute]] (sun, 1931–1960)<ref name="DMI">{{Cite web |last1=Cappelen |first1=John |last2=Jensen |first2=Jens |title=Filippinerne – Manila, Luzon |url=http://www.dmi.dk/dmi/tr01-17.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427173827/http://www.dmi.dk/dmi/tr01-17.pdf |archive-date=April 27, 2013 |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=Climate Data for Selected Stations (1931–1960) |publisher=Danish Meteorological Institute |language=da}}</ref>
|date=December 2014
}}
{{Weather box
| location = Pasay ([[Ninoy Aquino International Airport]]) 1981–2010, extremes 1947–2024
| metric first = Yes
| single line  = Yes
| collapsed = Yes
| Jan record high C = 35.8
| Feb record high C = 35.1
| Mar record high C = 36.5
| Apr record high C = 38.8
| May record high C = 38.1
| Jun record high C = 38.0
| Jul record high C = 36.4
| Aug record high C = 35.2
| Sep record high C = 34.9
| Oct record high C = 36.0
| Nov record high C = 35.8
| Dec record high C = 34.2
|year record high C = 38.8
| Jan high C = 30.2
| Feb high C = 31.0
| Mar high C = 32.5
| Apr high C = 34.1
| May high C = 33.8
| Jun high C = 32.5
| Jul high C = 31.3
| Aug high C = 30.8
| Sep high C = 31.0
| Oct high C = 31.1
| Nov high C = 31.1
| Dec high C = 30.2
| year high C = 31.6
| Jan mean C = 26.1
| Feb mean C = 26.7
| Mar mean C = 28.0
| Apr mean C = 29.5
| May mean C = 29.7
| Jun mean C = 28.8
| Jul mean C = 28.0
| Aug mean C = 27.7
| Sep mean C = 27.8
| Oct mean C = 27.7
| Nov mean C = 27.4
| Dec mean C = 26.5
| year mean C = 27.8
| Jan low C = 22.0
| Feb low C = 22.5
| Mar low C = 23.6
| Apr low C = 25.0
| May low C = 25.5
| Jun low C = 25.1
| Jul low C = 24.6
| Aug low C = 24.6
| Sep low C = 24.6
| Oct low C = 24.3
| Nov low C = 23.7
| Dec low C = 22.7
| year low C = 24.0
| Jan record low C = 14.8
| Feb record low C = 14.6
| Mar record low C = 16.0
| Apr record low C = 18.7
| May record low C = 19.1
| Jun record low C = 20.0
| Jul record low C = 18.3
| Aug record low C = 17.4
| Sep record low C = 19.1
| Oct record low C = 18.0
| Nov record low C = 17.2
| Dec record low C = 16.3
|year record low C = 14.6
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 6.8
| Feb rain mm = 4.2
| Mar rain mm = 4.0
| Apr rain mm = 16.0
| May rain mm = 70.4
| Jun rain mm = 265.2
| Jul rain mm = 316.7
| Aug rain mm = 418.4
| Sep rain mm = 255.2
| Oct rain mm = 283.4
| Nov rain mm = 99.0
| Dec rain mm = 28.6
|year rain mm = 1767.8
|unit rain days = 0.1 mm
| Jan rain days = 2
| Feb rain days = 1
| Mar rain days = 1
| Apr rain days = 1
| May rain days = 6
| Jun rain days = 14
| Jul rain days = 16
| Aug rain days = 19
| Sep rain days = 16
| Oct rain days = 14
| Nov rain days = 8
| Dec rain days = 3
|year rain days = 101
| Jan humidity = 75
| Feb humidity = 72
| Mar humidity = 68
| Apr humidity = 67
| May humidity = 72
| Jun humidity = 77
| Jul humidity = 81
| Aug humidity = 83
| Sep humidity = 83
| Oct humidity = 80
| Nov humidity = 78
| Dec humidity = 76
| year humidity = 76
| source 1 = PAGASA<ref>{{Cite web |title=NAIA Pasay City Climatological Normal Values |url=https://data.gov.ph/?q=dataset/climatological-normal-values/resource/9dd480c7-8192-4d3f-97c8-9bc1ac7b2773 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010232044/https://data.gov.ph/sites/default/files/pagasanormvalnaiapasay1981-2010.csv |archive-date=October 10, 2018 |access-date=October 10, 2018 |publisher=Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NAIA Pasay City Climatological Extremes |url=https://data.gov.ph/?q=dataset/climatological-extremes/resource/86bae162-9af6-424e-8964-169574fba3d2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010232123/https://data.gov.ph/sites/default/files/pagasaclimextrnaiapasaycity.csv |archive-date=October 10, 2018 |access-date=October 10, 2018 |publisher=Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration}}</ref>}}
{{Weather box
|location = Science Garden, Quezon City (1981–2010, extremes 1961–2024)
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|collapsed = Yes
| Jan record high C = 34.7
| Feb record high C = 35.6
| Mar record high C = 36.8
| Apr record high C = 38.2
| May record high C = 38.5
| Jun record high C = 38.0
| Jul record high C = 36.2
| Aug record high C = 35.8
| Sep record high C = 35.4
| Oct record high C = 35.4
| Nov record high C = 35.0
| Dec record high C = 34.7
|year record high C = 38.5
|Jan high C = 30.6
|Feb high C = 31.7
|Mar high C = 33.4
|Apr high C = 35.0
|May high C = 34.7
|Jun high C = 33.1
|Jul high C = 31.9
|Aug high C = 31.3
|Sep high C = 31.6
|Oct high C = 31.6
|Nov high C = 31.4
|Dec high C = 30.5
|year high C = 32.2
|Jan mean C = 25.7
|Feb mean C = 26.3
|Mar mean C = 27.8
|Apr mean C = 29.4
|May mean C = 29.7
|Jun mean C = 28.8
|Jul mean C = 28.0
|Aug mean C = 27.8
|Sep mean C = 27.8
|Oct mean C = 27.6
|Nov mean C = 27.1
|Dec mean C = 26.0
|year mean C = 27.7
|Jan low C = 20.8
|Feb low C = 20.9
|Mar low C = 22.1
|Apr low C = 23.7
|May low C = 24.7
|Jun low C = 24.6
|Jul low C = 24.1
|Aug low C = 24.2
|Sep low C = 24.0
|Oct low C = 23.5
|Nov low C = 22.7
|Dec low C = 21.6
|year low C = 23.1
| Jan record low C = 15.5
| Feb record low C = 15.1
| Mar record low C = 14.9
| Apr record low C = 17.2
| May record low C = 17.8
| Jun record low C = 18.1
| Jul record low C = 17.7
| Aug record low C = 17.8
| Sep record low C = 20.0
| Oct record low C = 18.6
| Nov record low C = 15.6
| Dec record low C = 15.1
|year record low C = 14.9
|rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 18.5
| Feb rain mm = 14.6
| Mar rain mm = 24.8
| Apr rain mm = 40.4
| May rain mm = 186.7
| Jun rain mm = 316.5
| Jul rain mm = 493.3
| Aug rain mm = 504.2
| Sep rain mm = 451.2
| Oct rain mm = 296.6
| Nov rain mm = 148.8
| Dec rain mm = 78.7
|year rain mm = 2574.4
|unit rain days = 0.1 mm
|Jan rain days = 4
|Feb rain days = 3
|Mar rain days = 4
|Apr rain days = 5
|May rain days = 12
|Jun rain days = 18
|Jul rain days = 22
|Aug rain days = 23
|Sep rain days = 22
|Oct rain days = 18
|Nov rain days = 14
|Dec rain days = 8
|year rain days = 153
|Jan humidity = 76
|Feb humidity = 73
|Mar humidity = 69
|Apr humidity = 67
|May humidity = 72
|Jun humidity = 79
|Jul humidity = 83
|Aug humidity = 84
|Sep humidity = 84
|Oct humidity = 83
|Nov humidity = 82
|Dec humidity = 79
|year humidity = 78
|source 1 = [[Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration|PAGASA]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Science Garden Quezon City Climatological Normal Values |url=https://data.gov.ph/?q=dataset/climatological-normal-values/resource/020704e9-50eb-4306-8e4b-3d1629dcbd72 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923160054/https://data.gov.ph/sites/default/files/pagasanormvalscigardenqc1981-2010.csv |archive-date=September 23, 2018 |access-date=September 23, 2018 |publisher=Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Science Garden Quezon City Climatological Extremes |url=https://data.gov.ph/?q=dataset/climatological-extremes/resource/c131837f-7333-4b4c-8b57-1ef300e82de1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923160133/https://data.gov.ph/sites/default/files/pagasaclimextrsciencegardenqc.csv |archive-date=September 23, 2018 |access-date=September 23, 2018 |publisher=Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration}}</ref>
}}

===Parks===
{{See also|List of parks in Metro Manila}}
[[File:Rizal Park - Jose Rizal Monument with grass, right side (Manila; 01-01-2020).jpg|thumb|left|[[Rizal Park]] in [[Manila]].]]
[[File:View from the pathway at Paco Park.JPG|thumb|[[Paco Park]] is a former municipal cemetery built by the [[Dominican Order|Dominicans]] during the [[Spanish Colonial Era (Philippines)|Spanish colonial times]].]]
[[File:05805jfQuezon Memorial City Circlefvf 32.JPG|thumb|[[Quezon Memorial Circle]] (2015)]]
There are four national parks in Metro Manila. These are the [[Rizal Park]], [[Paco Park]], and [[Fort Santiago]] in the [[Manila|City of Manila]] and [[Quezon Memorial Circle|Quezon Memorial National Park]] in [[Quezon City]]. Rizal Park and Paco Park are managed by the National Parks and Development Committee (NPDC), while [[Fort Santiago]] is managed by the [[Intramuros Administration]]. A tripartite agreement between the Quezon City Government, the National Historical Institute and the NPDC transferred the management of [[Quezon Memorial Circle|Quezon Memorial National Park]] to the Quezon City Government.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 31, 2011 |title=Annual Audit Report of the National Parks and Development Committee |url=http://www.nationalparks.ph/transparency_seal/coa%20report%202011.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402093111/http://www.nationalparks.ph/transparency_seal/coa%20report%202011.pdf |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=March 12, 2015 |publisher=National Parks and Development Committee}}</ref> The region also has [[list of protected areas of the Philippines|three protected areas]], namely the Rizal Park, [[Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife Center]] and the Manila Bay Beach Resort.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Protected Areas in National Capital Region |url=http://www.bmb.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=382:ncr&catid=69 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402130003/http://www.bmb.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=382:ncr&catid=69 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=May 11, 2015 |publisher=Biodiversity Management Bureau}}</ref>{{Update inline|date=July 2021}}

[[Rizal Park]], also known as Luneta Park, is considered the largest [[urban park]] in [[Asia]] with an area of {{convert|58|ha}}.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gwen de la Cruz |date=January 12, 2015 |title=FAST FACTS: Rizal Park |work=Rappler |url=http://www.rappler.com/specials/pope-francis-ph/stories/80688-fast-facts-rizal-park |url-status=live |access-date=March 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307100459/http://www.rappler.com/specials/pope-francis-ph/stories/80688-fast-facts-rizal-park |archive-date=March 7, 2016}}</ref> The park along with the historic walled area of [[Intramuros]] are designated as flagship destination to become a tourism enterprise zone according to the Tourism Act of 2009.<ref name="TourismAct">{{Cite PH act|title=The Tourism Act of 2009 |chamber=RA |number=9593 |url=http://www.tourism.gov.ph/Downloadable%20Files/RA%209593.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430234102/http://www.tourism.gov.ph/Downloadable%20Files/RA%209593.pdf |archive-date=April 30, 2015 |access-date=March 8, 2015 |date=May 12, 2009 |publisher=[[Department of Tourism (Philippines)|Department of Tourism]]}}</ref> [[Paco Park]] is a recreational garden which was once the city's municipal cemetery built by the Dominicans during the Spanish colonial period.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Paco Park |url=http://pacopark.nationalparks.ph/main.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219030016/http://pacopark.nationalparks.ph/main.htm |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=May 3, 2014}}</ref> Filipino [[Landscape architect]] [[Ildefonso P. Santos Jr.|IP Santos]], the "Father of Philippine Landscape Architecture", was commissioned to do the design of converting the former cemetery into a park.

[[Manila Zoo]] is the oldest [[zoo]] in Asia, which was founded in 1959. It is the home to more than a thousand animals from 90 different species including the 40-year-old elephant, Mali. The zoo has an average of 4,000 visitors weekly. An estimated 40,000 tourists visit the zoo each month.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jenny F. Manongdo |date=May 21, 2015 |title=Manila Zoo renovation underway by July |work=Manila Bulletin |url=http://www.mb.com.ph/manila-zoo-renovation-underway-by-july/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522182735/http://www.mb.com.ph/manila-zoo-renovation-underway-by-july/ |archive-date=May 22, 2015}}</ref>

[[La Mesa Ecopark]] is a 33-hectare well-developed sanctuary around the La Mesa Watershed. It was established through a joint partnership between the [[Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System]], [[ABS-CBN Corporation|ABS-CBN]], and the Quezon City Government. [[La Mesa Ecopark]], along with the [[Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife Center]], are important [[nature reserve]]s in the Philippines.

The [[Las Piñas]]-[[Parañaque]] Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) was declared as a critical habitat by the [[Government of the Philippines]] in 2007<ref name="lppchea">{{Cite web |title=Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS) – 2009–2014 |url=http://sites.wetlands.org/reports/ris/2PH006_RIS_2013.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714123046/http://sites.wetlands.org/reports/ris/2PH006_RIS_2013.pdf |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |access-date=July 4, 2014 |publisher=[[Wetlands International]]}}</ref> and was listed by the [[Ramsar Convention]] as a Wetland of International Importance in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Annotated Ramsar List: Philippines |url=http://www.ramsar.org/cda/en/ramsar-pubs-notes-annotated-ramsar-16085/main/ramsar/1-30-168%5E16085_4000_0__ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008102456/http://www.ramsar.org/cda/en/ramsar-pubs-notes-annotated-ramsar-16085/main/ramsar/1-30-168%5E16085_4000_0__ |archive-date=October 8, 2013 |access-date=July 4, 2014 |publisher=[[Ramsar Convention]]}}</ref> LPPCHEA is composed of the [[Freedom Island]] in [[Parañaque]] and the Long Island in [[Las Piñas]] that covers 175 hectares and features a mangrove forest of eight species, [[Mudflat|tidal mudflats]], secluded ponds with fringing salt-tolerant vegetation, a coastal lagoon, and a beach.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 11, 2015 |title=Metro Manila's 'secret' wildlife sanctuary – and why it might disappear soon |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/450729/scitech/science/metro-manila-s-secret-wildlife-sanctuary-and-why-it-might-disappear-soon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402182050/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/450729/scitech/science/metro-manila-s-secret-wildlife-sanctuary-and-why-it-might-disappear-soon |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=March 11, 2015 |publisher=[[GMA News and Public Affairs|GMA News Online]]}}</ref>

==Government and politics==
{{Further|Administrative divisions of Metro Manila}}
{{See also|Metropolitan Manila Development Authority|Mayors of Metro Manila|List of city and municipal halls in Metro Manila}}

[[File:Malacañang Palace (local img).jpg|thumb|left|[[Malacañang Palace|Malacañan Palace]] is the [[official residence]] and principal workplace of the [[President of the Philippines]].]]
[[File:Batasan front qc.jpg|thumb|The [[Batasang Pambansa Complex]] is the seat of the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|House of Representatives]].]]
<!-- [[File:PH-MM-MAKATI-EDSA-GUADALUPE-ORENSE-MMDA (2012).jpg|thumb|left|[[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority|MMDA]] Headquarters (2012)]] -->
[[File:Photo of the new 20-storey Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Head Office Building in Pasig City which was inaugurated by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on May 23, 2022 01.jpg|thumb|The [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]] (MMDA) headquarters since 2022]]

The framework of government and governance in Metro Manila is based on [[Philippine legal codes|Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the "Local Government Code of 1991"]]. This law outlines the powers and responsibilities of all local government units (LGUS) in the Philippines and thus forms the basis of inter-local governmental relations among the area's constituent local governments. The local government code grants these units significant political and administrative autonomy in accordance with the principles of decentralization and devolution of power. This situation presents a challenge to the coordination of policy and service delivery across the multiple autonomous local government units and is thus the underlying dilemma of metropolitan governance in Metro Manila.

The [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]] (MMDA) is the agency responsible for the delivery of public services in Metro Manila. Its services are limited to traffic management and garbage collection. Previously Metro Manila was governed by a regional government authority, the Metro Manila Commission and was [[Governor of Metro Manila|led by a governor]].

A bill was introduced in 2014 proposing the creation of a new governing body in Metro Manila to be known as the Metropolitan Manila Regional Administration (MMRA). Unlike the MMDA which is limited to being an administrative coordinating body, the proposed MMRA will have police and other typical municipal powers and is more akin to the [[Bangsamoro|Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bill creating new Metro Manila body backed |work=[[Philippine Star]] |url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/09/25/1372873/bill-creating-new-metro-manila-body-backed |url-status=live |access-date=September 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006073115/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/09/25/1372873/bill-creating-new-metro-manila-body-backed |archive-date=October 6, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=DOJ backs creation of Metropolitan Manila Regional Administration |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer|Inquirer.net]] |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/640403/doj-backs-creation-of-metropolitan-manila-regional-administration |url-status=live |access-date=March 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402125119/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/640403/doj-backs-creation-of-metropolitan-manila-regional-administration |archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref>

Metro Manila, the National Capital Region, is the seat of the national government. All the main offices of the [[executive departments of the Philippines|executive departments of the country]] are in Metro Manila. The [[Department of Agrarian Reform]], [[Department of Agriculture (Philippines)|Department of Agriculture]], [[Department of Environment and Natural Resources]], National Housing Authority and [[Philippine Coconut Authority]] has their main offices based around [[Quezon Memorial Circle]] in [[Quezon City]].

[[Manila]], the capital city of the country, is the home to [[Malacañang Palace|Malacañan Palace]], the official residence and office of the [[President of the Philippines]]. The city is also the home to the [[Supreme Court of the Philippines]]. Other key national institutions based in Manila are the [[Philippine Court of Appeals|Court of Appeals]], the [[Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas]], and the [[Executive Departments of the Philippines|Departments]] of [[Department of Budget and Management|Budget and Management]], [[Department of Finance (Philippines)|Finance]], [[Department of Health (Philippines)|Health]], [[Department of Justice (Philippines)|Justice]], [[Department of Labor and Employment (Philippines)|Labor and Employment]] and [[Department of Public Works and Highways|Public Works and Highways]]. Meanwhile, the [[Department of Science and Technology (Philippines)|Department of Science and Technology]] is based in [[Taguig]] while the [[Department of Tourism (Philippines)|Department of Tourism]] has its headquarters in [[Makati]]. Important economic and financial institutions headquartered in the region are the [[Asian Development Bank]], [[Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas]], [[Development Bank of the Philippines]], [[Land Bank of the Philippines]] and the [[National Economic and Development Authority]].

The main office of the [[Government Service Insurance System]] in [[Pasay]] serves as home to the [[Senate of the Philippines]]. Meanwhile, the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines]] is based in the [[Batasang Pambansa Complex]], [[Quezon City]] along with the [[Sandiganbayan]]. The [[Coconut Palace]] once served as the official office and residence of the [[Vice President of the Philippines]] in 2010–2016 and then the [[Quezon City Reception House]] for 2016-2022.

===Administrative divisions===
The political and administrative boundaries of the National Capital Region has not changed since its formation in 1975 as a public corporation under Presidential Decree No. 824. They are composed of sixteen [[Cities in the Philippines#Independent cities|independent cities]], classified as ''highly urbanized cities'', and one independent municipality: [[Pateros]].

{{col-begin|width=auto}}
{{col-break}}
[[File:Metro Manila in the Philippines.png|thumb|left|300px|{{center|Local Government Units (LGUs) of Metro Manila}}]]
{{col-break}}
{{unbulleted list
| {{Color box|#BFF5FF|†|border=darkgray}} {{font|Regional center|size=90%}}
}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin:auto;text-align:right;font-size:95%;"
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" | City {{small|or}}<br />municipality
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;white-space:nowrap;" class="unsortable" colspan=2 | Population {{small|(2024)}}{{PH census|2024}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" colspan=2 | Area{{ref label|Area|a|none}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" colspan=2 | Density
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" | Incorporated (city)
|-
! scope="col" style="border-top:none;" |
! scope="col" style="border-top:none;" colspan=2 |
! scope="col" style="border-style:none none solid solid;" | km<sup>2</sup>
! scope="col" style="border-style:none solid solid none;white-space:nowrap;" class="unsortable" | sq mi
! scope="col" style="border-style:none none solid solid;" | /km<sup>2</sup>
! scope="col" style="border-style:none solid solid none;white-space:nowrap;" class="unsortable" | /sq mi
! scope="col" style="border-top:none;" |
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | [[Caloocan]]
| {{percent and number|1,712,945|14,001,751|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|55.80|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|1,712,945/55.80|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 1962
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | [[Las Piñas]]
| {{percent and number|615,549|14,001,751|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|32.69|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|615,549/32.69|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 1997
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | [[Makati]]
| {{percent and number|309,770|14,001,751|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|18.17|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|309,770/18.17|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 1995
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | [[Malabon]]
| {{percent and number|389,929|14,001,751|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|15.71|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|389,929/15.71|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 2001
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | [[Mandaluyong]]
| {{percent and number|465,902|14,001,751|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|11.26|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|465,902/11.26|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 1994
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;background-color:#BFF5FF;border-right:0;" |{{sort|Manila|† [[Manila]]}}
| {{percent and number|1,902,590|14,001,751|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|42.34|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}{{ref label|ManilaCityArea|b|none}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|1,902,590/42.34|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 1571
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | [[Marikina]]
| {{percent and number|471,323|14,001,751|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|21.52|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|471,323/21.52|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 1996
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | [[Muntinlupa]]
| {{percent and number|552,225|14,001,751|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|39.75|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|552,225/39.75|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 1995
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | [[Navotas]]
| {{percent and number|252,878|14,001,751|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|8.94|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|252,878/8.94|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 2007
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | [[Parañaque]]
| {{percent and number|703,245|14,001,751|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|46.57|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|703,245/46.57|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 1998
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | [[Pasay]]
| {{percent and number|453,186|14,001,751|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|13.97|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|453,186/13.97|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 1947
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | [[Pasig]]
| {{percent and number|853,050|14,001,751|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|48.46|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|853,050/48.46|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 1995
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | [[Pateros]]
| {{percent and number|67,319|14,001,751|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|1.66|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}{{ref label|PaterosArea|c|none}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|67,319/1.66|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 1909 (''Not a city'')
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | [[Quezon City]]
| {{percent and number|3,084,270|14,001,751|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|171.71|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|3,084,270/171.71|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 1939
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | [[San Juan, Metro Manila|San Juan]]
| {{percent and number|134,312|14,001,751|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|5.95|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|134,312/5.95|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 2007
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | [[Taguig]]
| {{percent and number|1,308,085|14,001,751|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|47.28|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|1,308,085/47.28|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 2004
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | [[Valenzuela, Metro Manila|Valenzuela]]
| {{percent and number|725,173|14,001,751|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|47.02|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|725,173/47.02|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 1998
|-class="sortbottom"
! scope="row" colspan=2 style="text-align:left;" | Total
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | 14,001,751
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | 636.00
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | {{convert|636.00|km2|disp=number|2}}
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | {{sigfig|14,001,751/636.00|2}}
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | {{convert|{{sigfig|14,001,751/636.00|2}}|PD/km2|disp=number}}
! scope="col" style="background-color:none;border-bottom:none |
|-class="sortbottom" style="text-align:left;"
| colspan=8 style="padding-left:1em;" |
{{Ordered list
| list_style_type=lower-alpha
| {{note label|Area|a|none}}Land area figures are from the [[Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology]] and [[Geoscience Australia]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2013 |title=An Update on the Earthquake Hazards and Risk Assessment of Greater Metropolitan Manila Area |url=http://www.mbc.com.ph/engine/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Solidum-Update-of-Earthquake-Hazards-and-Risk-Assessment-of-MMla-14Nov2013.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624134051/http://www.mbc.com.ph/engine/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Solidum-Update-of-Earthquake-Hazards-and-Risk-Assessment-of-MMla-14Nov2013.pdf |archive-date=June 24, 2016 |access-date=May 16, 2016 |publisher=[[Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Enhancing Risk Analysis Capacities for Flood, Tropical Cyclone Severe Wind and Earthquake for the Greater Metro Manila Area Component 5 – Earthquake Risk Analysis |url=http://ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/article/1509/Component_5_Earthquake_Risk_Analysis_Technical%20Report_-_Final_Draft_by_GA_and_PHIVOLCS.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806150011/http://ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/article/1509/Component_5_Earthquake_Risk_Analysis_Technical%20Report_-_Final_Draft_by_GA_and_PHIVOLCS.pdf |archive-date=August 6, 2016 |access-date=May 16, 2016 |publisher=[[Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology]] and [[Geoscience Australia]]}}</ref>
<!--<ref name="PSA-CitiesList">{{Cite web |title=PSGC Interactive; List of Cities |url=http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/listcity.asp |access-date=April 4, 2016 |website=Philippine Statistics Authority}}</ref> -->
| {{note label|ManilaCityArea|b|none}}Land area of Manila from the City of Manila official government website.<ref name="ManilaCityArea-2024">{{Cite web |title=City Profile |url=https://manila.gov.ph/city-profile/ |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=City of Manila }}</ref>
| {{note label|PaterosArea|c|none}}Land area of Pateros from the Municipality of Pateros official government website.<ref name="PaterosGovPH-LandUse">{{Cite web |title=Land Use Classification |url=http://www.pateros.gov.ph/about_pateros/profile/land_use.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915135633/http://www.pateros.gov.ph/about_pateros/profile/land_use.asp |archive-date=September 15, 2008 |access-date=April 7, 2016 |website=Municipality of Pateros}}</ref>
}}
|}
{{col-end}}
{{clear}}
<!-- Representation to the two houses of the [[Congress of the Philippines]] is as follows:
* For the [[Senate of the Philippines|Senate]], polling is done at-large, nationwide.
* For the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|House of Representatives]], each city has at least one representative; Pateros' representation is included with the first [[Sangguniang Panlungsod]] district of Taguig.
Metro Manila has its own judicial region, the National Capital Judicial Region, as such that all regional trial court judges can be stationed in anywhere within the region.-->

===Districts===
Unlike other [[Regions of the Philippines|administrative regions]] in the Philippines, Metro Manila is not composed of [[Provinces of the Philippines|provinces]]. Instead, the region is divided into four geographic areas called "districts".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Municipal and City Level Estimates |url=http://www.nscb.gov.ph/poverty/sae/2003%20SAE%20of%20poverty%20(Full%20Report).pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113232119/http://www.nscb.gov.ph/poverty/sae/2003%20SAE%20of%20poverty%20%28Full%20Report%29.pdf |archive-date=November 13, 2013 |access-date=July 14, 2014 |publisher=National Statistical Coordination Board}}</ref> The districts have their district centers at the four original cities in the region: the city-district of Manila (Capital District), [[Quezon City]] (Eastern Manila), [[Caloocan]] (Northern Manila, also informally known as ''Camanava''), and [[Pasay]] (Southern Manila).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Environmental Management Bureau – National Capital Region |url=http://emb.gov.ph/emb_ncr/aboutus.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725195541/http://emb.gov.ph/emb_ncr/aboutus.htm |archive-date=July 25, 2014 |access-date=July 17, 2014 |publisher=Environmental Management Bureau}}</ref> The districts serve mainly to organize the region's local government units for fiscal and statistical purposes.
[[File:Districts of Metro Manila.svg|thumb|left|Districts of Metro Manila]] {{Districts of Metro Manila|}} {{clear}}

===Future expansion===
There is a high demand for the inclusion of [[San Pedro, Laguna]] in Metro Manila. Support groups from the local government and non-government organizations are striving to incorporate San Pedro into Metro Manila.<ref name="MB-18SP">{{Cite web |title=San Pedro City eyed as 18th member of MMDA |url=http://www.mb.com.ph/san-pedro-city-eyed-as-18th-member-of-mmda/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231114421/http://www.mb.com.ph/san-pedro-city-eyed-as-18th-member-of-mmda/ |archive-date=December 31, 2014 |access-date=March 8, 2015 |website=[[Manila Bulletin]]}}</ref><ref name="Poli-TolSP">{{Cite web |title= Tolentino eyes San Pedro City in MMDA loop |url= https://politiko.com.ph/2014/12/31/tolentino-eyes-san-pedro-city-in-mmda-loop/politiko-lokal/ |date= December 31, 2014 |access-date= January 14, 2025 |author= <!-- Not stated --> |publisher= [[Prage]] |work= [[Politiko (website)|Politiko]] }}</ref> San Pedro was looked at as the 18th member of Metro Manila during former MMDA chairman [[Francis Tolentino]]'s term. Tolentino pushed for the inclusion of San Pedro in the National Capital Region to become its 18th member city.<ref name="MB-18SP" /><ref name="Poli-TolSP" />

==Demographics==
{{Philippine Census
| align= right
| title= Population census of {{PH wikidata|name}}
| 1903 = {{PH census population|1903}}
| 1918 = {{PH census population|1918}}
| 1939 = {{PH census population|1939}}
| 1948 = {{PH census population|1948}}
| 1960 = {{PH census population|1960}}
| 1970 = {{PH census population|1970}}
| 1975 = {{PH census population|1975}}
| 1980 = {{PH census population|1980}}
| 1990 = {{PH census population|1990}}
| 1995 = {{PH census population|1995}}
| 2000 = {{PH census population|2000}}
| 2007 = {{PH census population|2007}}
| 2010 = {{PH census population|2010}}
| 2015 = {{PH census population|2015}}
| 2020 = {{PH census population|2020}}
| 2024 = {{PH census population|2024}}
| 2030 = 
| footnote = Source: Philippine Statistics Authority<ref name="2010 Census">{{Cite web |title=2010 Census of Population and Housing: National Capital Region |url=https://www.census.gov.ph/data/sectordata/2010/2010CPH_ncr.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625152554/http://www.census.gov.ph/data/sectordata/2010/2010CPH_ncr.pdf |archive-date=June 25, 2012 |access-date=April 6, 2012 |publisher=Philippine Statistics Authority of the Republic of the Philippines}}</ref><ref name="NCR PDF Census">{{Cite web |title=National Capital Region. Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay: as of May 1, 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov.ph/sites/default/files/attachments/hsd/pressrelease/National%20Capital%20Region.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115103152/http://www.census.gov.ph/sites/default/files/attachments/hsd/pressrelease/National%20Capital%20Region.pdf |archive-date=November 15, 2012 |access-date=December 22, 2012 |publisher=Philippine Statistics Authority of the Philippines}}</ref>{{PH census|2015}}}}

Metro Manila has a population of {{nts|14001751}} according to the 2024 national census.{{PH census|2024}} Its total urban area, composed of the urban agglomeration which refers to the continuous urban expansion of Metro Manila into the provinces of [[Bulacan]], [[Cavite]], [[Laguna (province)|Laguna]] and [[Batangas]] has an estimated population of {{nts|24100000}} as of 2015.<ref name="citypop-Aggs" /> It is the second most populous (after [[Calabarzon]]) and most densely populated region in the Philippines, the [[List of metropolitan areas in Asia|7th most populous metropolitan area in Asia]], and the [[List of urban areas by population|6th most populous urban area in the world]].

As of 2024, the most populous cities in Metro Manila are [[Quezon City]] (3,084,270), [[Manila]] (1,902,590), [[Caloocan]] (1,712,945), [[Taguig]] (1,308,085), [[Pasig]] (853,050), [[Valenzuela, Philippines|Valenzuela]] (725,173), [[Parañaque]] (703,245), [[Las Piñas]] (615,549), [[Muntinlupa]] (552,225), and [[Marikina]] (471,323).

===Poverty, housing and urban slums===
{{See also|Slums in Manila}}
[[File:WTMP_Noel_Gonong_DSC_0077.JPG|thumb|right|The [[Smokey Mountain|Smokey Mountain Development and Reclamation Project]] for the former [[Smokey Mountain]] dumpsite and slum community is a prime example of in-city relocation housing for informal settler families in [[Tondo, Manila|Tondo]], [[Manila|City of Manila]].]]
{{stack|float=right|{{PH poverty incidence}}{{key needed|date=June 2024|post-text=thousands? percentages? what?}}}}

From the 1980s up to the present, informal settlers ([[squatters]]) have accounted for roughly one-third of the Metro Manila population.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rebong |first=Nick |date=January 14, 1996 |title=Squatters to fill half of metropolis |page=9 |work=[[Manila Standard]] |publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp. |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=B_4tAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YwsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2742%2C1996725 |access-date=January 26, 2022 |quote=In 1980, Metro Manila's squatter population was estimated as 857,000. By 1987, this figure exploded to about 2.5 million or roughly one third of the population of Metro Manila. |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125165832/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=B_4tAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YwsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2742,1996725 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shahani |first=Lila Ramos |author-link=Leticia Ramos-Shahani |date=December 10, 2011 |title=Paradox of growth |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer|Inquirer Opinion]] |publisher=INQUIRER.net |url=https://opinion.inquirer.net/18893/paradox-of-growth |access-date=January 26, 2022 |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125165842/https://opinion.inquirer.net/18893/paradox-of-growth |url-status=live }}</ref> A majority of informal settlers belong to the middle-class.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Albert |first1=Jose Ramon G. |last2=Santos |first2=Angelo Gabrielle F. |last3=Vizmanos |first3=Jana Flor V. |date=2019 |title=Unmasking the middle-class: profile and determinants |url=https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidsdps1820.pdf |publisher=[[Philippine Statistics Authority]] |page=6 |access-date=January 26, 2022 |archive-date=January 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130172138/https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidsdps1820.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2014, there are an estimated four million [[slum]] dwellers living in Metro Manila. [[Homelessness]] is also a major problem in Metro Manila.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Paul Roy |date=September 18, 2014 |title=In the slums of Manila, inequality is so bad that the worst off have no chance to protest |url=http://www.newstatesman.com/world-affairs/2014/09/slums-manila-inequality-so-bad-worst-have-no-chance-protest |url-status=live |magazine=The [[New Statesman]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616180249/http://www.newstatesman.com/world-affairs/2014/09/slums-manila-inequality-so-bad-worst-have-no-chance-protest |archive-date=June 16, 2016 |access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref> However, these are being addressed by creating in-city relocation housing, and by relocating informal settler families in low-density housing built in the nearby provinces of [[Batangas]], [[Bulacan]], [[Cavite]], [[Laguna (province)|Laguna]] and [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]].<ref>{{cite web |title=National Housing Authority |url=https://nha.gov.ph/ |access-date=2025-11-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825023251/http://www.nha.gov.ph/ |archive-date=2018-08-25}}</ref>
During the American occupation, housing policies in Manila dealt the problem of sanitation and concentration of settlers around business areas. Among those implemented were business codes and sanitation laws in slum areas in the 1930s. During this period and until the 1950s, new communities were opened for relocation. Among these were Projects 1–8 in [[Quezon City]] and the Vitas tenement houses in Tondo. The government implemented the Public Housing Policy in 1947 that established the People's Homesite and Housing Corporation (PHHC). A few years later, it put up the Slum Clearance Committee which, with the help of the PHHC, relocated thousands of families from Tondo and Quezon City to Sapang Palay in [[San Jose del Monte]], Bulacan in the 1960s.<ref>{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hetOAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA36 |title=Report |publisher=Office of Economic Coordination |year=1963 |location=Philippines |pages=36 |language=en}}</ref>

During the time of President [[Ferdinand Marcos]], the [[World Bank]] and the [[Asian Development Bank]] supported the programs for the "development of relocation" and "on-site development". [[Carmona, Cavite|Carmona]] and [[Dasmariñas]] in [[Cavite]] and [[San Pedro, Laguna|San Pedro]] in [[Laguna (province)|Laguna]] opened as relocation sites. Along with the establishment of the [[National Housing Authority (Philippines)]], Presidential Decree 772 made squatting a crime, making the Philippines one of only two countries (the other is [[South Africa]]) where squatting is a crime. The government formulated the National Shelter Program which became the over-all framework for dealing with housing needs of all income classes.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}

[[Imelda Marcos]] held both the position as Governor of Metro Manila and as Minister of Human Settlements and Ecology (MHSE) until the downfall of the dictatorship in 1986. The MHSE, through loans from the World Bank, initiated the Bagong Lipunan Improvement of Sites and Services (BLISS) housing projects not only in Metro Manila but also in other provinces.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 9, 1979 |title=Executive Order No. 517, s. 1979 |url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1979/01/09/executive-order-no-517-s-1979/ |access-date=July 21, 2021 |website=www.officialgazette.gov.ph |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721095352/https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1979/01/09/executive-order-no-517-s-1979/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=November 28, 1983 |title=Proclamation No. 2321, s. 1983 |url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1983/11/28/proclamation-no-2321-s-1983/ |access-date=July 21, 2021 |website=www.officialgazette.gov.ph |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721095353/https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1983/11/28/proclamation-no-2321-s-1983/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

From 1960 to 1992, the government transferred some 328,000 families to resettlement sites {{convert|25|to|40|km|abbr=on}} from Metro Manila. According to the Asian Coalition on Housing Rights, during President Corazon C. Aquino's time, the government would bring some 100,000 persons to relocation sites yearly. During the said period, Sapang Palay and Carmona had a 60% abandonment rate. Congress enacted Republic Act No. 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) in 1992. The law gave a new name for the [[Squatting|squatters]]: informal settlers.<ref>{{cite PH act|chamber=RA|number=7279|title=An Act to provide for a comprehensive and continuing urban development and housing program, establish the mechanism for its implementation, and for other purposes|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1992/03/24/republic-act-no-7279/|date=March 24, 1992|accessdate=May 26, 2023|archive-date=November 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109053552/http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1992/03/24/republic-act-no-7279/|url-status=live}}</ref> Essentially, UDHA gives protection for big private ownership of land in the urban areas, ensuring that these are protected from illegal occupants. The law also widened the scope of private sector participation in the National Shelter Program (NSP).{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}

In the middle of the presidency of [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]], infrastructure projects of the government led to the demolition of hundreds of thousands of families (from along railways, [[Circumferential Road 4|C-4 Road]], [[Circumferential Road 5|C-5 Road]], and from [[Fort Bonifacio]]). During the same period, new relocation sites in Bulacan, Valenzuela and Caloocan opened.

=== Languages ===
The primary mainstream spoken casual [[vernacular]] language is [[Tagalog language|Tagalog]] ([[Filipino language|Filipino]]), which is taught in all schools across Metro Manila under Filipino class. The main [[Prestige (sociolinguistics)|formal]] [[medium of instruction]] used in schools and the main language (at least primarily in most written contexts) for commerce, industry, and government is [[Philippine English|English]]. Meanwhile, [[Philippine Spanish|Spanish]] formerly [[Moribund language|moribund]] across Metro Manila, besides the rare few families who may privately use it and the Spanish taught in a few schools and universities as a foreign language elective. Among speakers of [[Philippine Hokkien|Hokkien]] may also occasionally be heard spoken amongst fellow speakers especially within households, schools, churches, temples, businesses who privately use it, while [[Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin]] ([[Standard Chinese]]) is taught in [[Chinese school|Chinese class]] in and as a foreign language elective in a few schools and universities. There are also the occasional speaker of other [[Philippine languages]] coming from the provinces working, studying, or living in Metro Manila, such as speakers of [[Cebuano language|Cebuano Bisaya]], [[Ilocano language|Ilocano]], [[Hiligaynon language|Hiligaynon (Ilonggo)]], [[Central Bikol]]ano, [[Chavacano]], [[Kapampangan language|Kapampangan]], [[Pangasinan language|Pangasinense]], [[Waray language|Waray]], etc. There are also the rare that speaks [[Japanese language|Japanese]], that speaks [[Korean language|Korean]], that speaks [[Persian language|Farsi (Persian)]], that speaks [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] or etc. There are also a few [[Japanese school]]s teaching [[Japanese language|Japanese]] in Japanese class in Metro Manila, such as the [[Manila Japanese School]] and of course, a few schools and universities teaching it as a foreign language elective. Other languages also taught as foreign language electives in some universities and schools in Metro Manila besides those aforementioned are those such as, [[French language|French]], [[Korean language|Korean]], [[German language|German]], [[Italian language|Italian]], [[Thai language|Thai]], [[Indonesian language|Bahasa Indonesia]], [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]], [[Russian language|Russian]], etc. Besides [[Filipino language|Filipino]], there are also other [[newspaper]]s distributed across Metro Manila in languages such as [[Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin]] (i.e. [[United Daily News (Philippines)|United Daily News]], [[World News (newspaper)|World News]], [[Chinese Commercial News]], etc.), [[Japanese language|Japanese]] (i.e. [[Manila Shimbun]]), [[Korean language|Korean]] (i.e. Manila Seoul, Weekly Manila, Ilyo Shinmun,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gomilao |first=Jason |title=Philippine Korean Weekly Newspaper - Makati City |url=https://www.businesslist.ph/company/300920/philippine-korean-newspaper-ilyoshinmun |website=BusinessList.ph |date=September 14, 2018 |access-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725024301/https://www.businesslist.ph/company/300920/philippine-korean-newspaper-ilyoshinmun |url-status=live }}</ref> etc.) to cater to the aforementioned readers.

==Economy==
[[File:One Bonifacio High Street Skyline.jpg|thumb|The [[Philippine Stock Exchange]] headquarters in [[Bonifacio Global City]], [[Taguig]]]]
The National Capital Region accounts for 31.2% of the [[gross domestic product]] of the Philippines in 2024.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2025 |title=NCR economic output jumped by 5.6% in 2024 — PSA |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2025/04/23/667448/ncr-economic-output-jumped-by-5-6-in-2024-psa/ |access-date=July 21, 2025 |website=BusinessWorld }}</ref> Furthermore, it has the highest per capita GDP of the country at {{Philippine peso|595,768|link=yes}} (US$10,426).<ref name="GDP"/> The employment rate in the region is at 91.3% {{As of|2021|April|lc=y}}.<ref name=":4" /> According to the [[Brookings Institution]], the 2014 share of output by industry in Metro Manila is as follows: trade and tourism: 31.4%, business/finance: 28.6%, local/non-market: 15.6%, manufacturing: 12.5%, transportation: 4.9%, construction: 4%, utilities: 2.8%, and commodities: 0.3%.<ref name="Brookings">{{Cite web |date=January 22, 2015 |title=2014 Global Metro Monitor Map |url=http://www.brookings.edu/research/reports2/2015/01/22-global-metro-monitor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321051346/http://www.brookings.edu/research/reports2/2015/01/22-global-metro-monitor |archive-date=March 21, 2015 |access-date=March 6, 2015 |publisher=[[Brookings Institution]]}}</ref>

Metro Manila has an office vacancy rate of 19.8% by the end of 2024, due to the expiration of pre-pandemic leases and the 2023 ban on [[Philippine offshore gaming operator]] by President Marcos Jr.<ref name="NCR Office Spaces 2024">{{Cite web |title='Metro Manila has more vacant office spaces' |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/02/11/metro-manila-has-more-vacant-office-spaces/ |date=February 11, 2025 |access-date=July 21, 2025 |publisher=BusinessMirror |last1=Ogerio |first1=Bless Aubrey }}</ref> About 791,000 square meters of office spaces were vacated in 2024, up from 581,000 square meters reported in 2023.<ref name="NCR Office Spaces 2024" /> As of end of 2024, the vacancy rate for Metro Manila are as follows: [[Makati Central Business District]]: 8.3%, [[Ortigas Center]]: 12.8%, [[Fort Bonifacio (barangay)|Fort Bonifacio]]: 17.2%, [[Quezon City]]: 22.8%, Ortigas Fringe: 24.2%, [[Alabang]]: 32.5%, [[Bay City, Metro Manila|Bay Area]]: 34.9%, and Makati Fringe: 35.9%.<ref name="NCR Office Spaces 2024" />

Metro Manila makes it to the "Global Top 30" cities according to property consultancy firm [[Jones Lang LaSalle]], citing its economic scale, vast population, large gross domestic product and BPO specialization as its competitive edge.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 6, 2015 |title=PH real estate gets boost from BPOs, hospitality, gaming, retail |work=Manila Standard Today |url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/123347/metro-manila-makes-it-to-top-30-megacities-list |url-status=live |access-date=March 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523002912/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/123347/metro-manila-makes-it-to-top-30-megacities-list |archive-date=May 23, 2015}}</ref> Furthermore, the region ranks 3rd for the top [[business process outsourcing]] global destinations, next to [[Bangalore]] and [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doris Dumlao-Abadilla |date=May 22, 2015 |title=Metro Manila makes it to top 30 megacities list |url=https://ph.news.yahoo.com/metro-manila--cebu-among-top-global-bpo-destinations-094957693.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402201423/https://ph.news.yahoo.com/metro-manila--cebu-among-top-global-bpo-destinations-094957693.html |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=May 22, 2015 |publisher=INQUIRER.net}}</ref> The region's retail sector remains strong, bolstered by remittances abroad, BPOs, and its tourism sector.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 6, 2015 |title=PH real estate gets boost from BPOs, hospitality, gaming, retail |work=Manila Standard Today |url=http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/03/06/ph-real-estate-gets-boost-from-bpos-hospitality-gaming-retail/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318231555/http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/03/06/ph-real-estate-gets-boost-from-bpos-hospitality-gaming-retail/ |archive-date=March 18, 2015}}</ref>

[[File:Intramuros-Binondo Bridge.jpg|thumb|left|[[Binondo]], founded in 1594, is considered as the oldest [[chinatown]] in the world.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Umali |first=Justin |date=February 4, 2019 |title=How Binondo Became the World's Oldest Chinatown |work=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]] |publisher=[[Summit Media]] |url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/binondo-history-oldest-chinatown-a2212-20190204-lfrm |access-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823095347/https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/binondo-history-oldest-chinatown-a2212-20190204-lfrm |url-status=live }}</ref>]]

Historically, the main business district of the metropolis was [[Binondo]], where commercial trading flourished since the 15th century. By the 1960s, economic activities shifted from Binondo to [[Makati]]. It transformed Makati into one of the leading financial centers in [[Asia]]. Still, Binondo remained as a cultural and financial center because of the vast Chinese population residing and doing business in the area.

The minimum wage of Metro Manila is at {{Philippine peso|645.00}} ([[United States dollars|$]]{{To USD|645.00|round=2|Philippines}}) per-day for non-agricultural workers and at {{Philippine peso|608.00}} (${{To USD|608.00|round=2|Philippines}}) per-day for those working in the agricultural sector,<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 1, 2024|first=Zen|last=Hernandez|title=NCR workers to get P35 daily minimum wage hike|work=[[ABS-CBN News]]|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/2024/7/1/ncr-workers-to-get-p35-daily-minimum-wage-hike-1446|access-date=August 23, 2024}}</ref> the highest minimum wage among all the [[Regions of the Philippines|17 regions]] of the country.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 19, 2015 |title=Good news but… Metro Manila minimum pay up by P15 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer|INQUIRER.net]] |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/679890/good-news-but-metro-manila-minimum-pay-up-by-p15 |url-status=live |access-date=March 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319190040/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/679890/good-news-but-metro-manila-minimum-pay-up-by-p15 |archive-date=March 19, 2015}}</ref> However, an increase of ₱25 was made and implemented in November 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=P25 wage hike takes effect on November 22, 2018 |url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/11/13/1868052/p25-wage-hike-takes-effect-november-22-2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112205522/https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/11/13/1868052/p25-wage-hike-takes-effect-november-22-2018 |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |access-date=November 15, 2018 |website=philstar.com}}</ref>

Nominal wages are what Metro Manila's current minimum wage rates are known as. The Philippine government has set these wage rates at a fixed amount. 

On the other hand, the amount after [[inflation]] is what is considered the real minimum wage. For instance, the non-agricultural employees of NCR typically receive ₱428.23 (${{To USD|428.23|round=2|Philippines}}) per day as opposed to ₱537 (${{To USD|537|round=2|Philippines}}). The minimum salary for agricultural employees in Manila (including plantation and non-plantation workers) is {{Philippine peso|398.72}} (${{To USD|398.72|round=2|Philippines}}) after accounting for inflation.

===Central business districts===
[[File:Ayala Avenue (Makati; 04-15-2022).jpg|thumbnail|left|[[Ayala Avenue]] in [[Makati]].]]
[[File:Bonifacio Global City - 32nd Ave. (BGC, Taguig)(2018-06-04).jpg|thumb|32nd Avenue in [[Bonifacio Global City]].]]
[[File:Ortigas.jpg|thumb|[[Ortigas Avenue]] in [[Pasig]].]]
Metro Manila has many central business districts (CBD), which categorizes it under the [[multiple nuclei model]] in [[human geography]] terms. The most prominent CBDs are the [[Makati Central Business District]], [[Bonifacio Global City]], [[Ortigas Center]], [[Binondo]], and [[Filinvest City]]. The region also has plenty of [[mixed-use development]]s owned and developed by private corporations such as the [[Ayala Corporation]], [[LT Group|Eton Properties]], [[Megaworld Corporation]] and [[SM Prime Holdings]].

The [[Makati Central Business District]] is the premier business and commercial center of the Philippines. It is the headquarters to most of the multinational corporations residing in the Philippines as well as the country's biggest commercial firms and BPO companies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Working in the Philippines |url=http://www.makeitmakati.com/about-the-city/working-in-the-philippines |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427180723/http://www.makeitmakati.com/about-the-city/working-in-the-philippines |archive-date=April 27, 2013 |access-date=March 5, 2015 |publisher=Make it Makati}}</ref> The Central Business District has an office stock of 1.1&nbsp;million square meters of Grade A and premium office space.<ref name="Fort Bonifacio">{{Cite news |last=Roderick T. dela Cruz |date=January 3, 2015 |title=Fort Bonifacio eclipsing Makati CBD |work=Manila Standard Today |url=http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/01/03/fort-bonifacio-eclipsing-makati-cbd/ |url-status=dead |access-date=March 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711091224/http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/01/03/fort-bonifacio-eclipsing-makati-cbd |archive-date=July 11, 2015}}</ref> It is the home to the [[List of tallest buildings in Metro Manila|tallest skyscrapers in the region]] as well as [[List of tallest buildings in the Philippines|in the country]].

[[Bonifacio Global City]] is the newest business district of Manila and is the premier financial and lifestyle center of the metropolis. It is located in the north-western part of [[Taguig]]. It used to be a military base known as [[Fort Bonifacio]]. The Bases and Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) privatized the property and its income from the sale was intended to be used for the modernization of the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]]. Upon its privatization, the place was transformed into a business hub featuring numerous tourist attractions such as [[The Mind Museum]], high-end shops, towering office skyscrapers, and luxurious lofts and condominiums. Bonifacio Global City will soon overtake the [[Makati Central Business District]] as the premier financial center of the country in the future. One of the reasons for it is that the [[Philippine Stock Exchange]] relocated its headquarters in BGC. Also, it has more spaces and land for future developments. It is also the most active business district, generating over 50 percent of the growth in property market and has more available space for rent or lease and sale than Makati.<ref name="Fort Bonifacio" />

[[Ortigas Center]] is a central business district located in [[Mandaluyong]] and [[Pasig]], with a small portion of it located in [[Quezon City]]. Landmarks in Ortigas include the [[EDSA Shrine]], [[Shangri-La Plaza (shopping mall)|Shangri-La Plaza]] and the [[SM Megamall]]. Furthermore, [[The Medical City]] has its main campus in Ortigas Center. Important financial and national institutions headquartered in Ortigas are the [[Asian Development Bank]], [[Union Bank of the Philippines]] and the [[National Economic and Development Authority]]. Ortigas is also the home to the headquarters of [[San Miguel Corporation]], [[Jollibee Foods Corporation]], [[Lopez Group of Companies]] and [[Meralco|The Manila Electric Company]].

===Shopping===
{{See also|List of shopping malls in Metro Manila}}

[[File:View_of_Pasay_City_at_SM_Mall_of_Asia.tif|thumb|Aerial view of the [[SM Mall of Asia|SM Mall of Asia Complex]] (2016)]]

''[[Global Blue]]'' ranked Manila as one of the "Best Shopping Destinations" in [[Asia]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Globe Shopper Index |url=http://www.globeshopperindex.com/en/destinations/Asia/Manila |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119112650/http://www.globeshopperindex.com/en/destinations/asia/Manila |archive-date=January 19, 2014 |access-date=September 13, 2013 |publisher=[[Global Blue]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Manila 11th most attractive shopping destination in Asia Pacific –study |url=http://ph.news.yahoo.com/manila-11th-most-attractive-shopping-destination-asia-pacific-050612020.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224033858/http://ph.news.yahoo.com/manila-11th-most-attractive-shopping-destination-asia-pacific-050612020.html |archive-date=February 24, 2013 |access-date=March 26, 2013 |publisher=Yahoo! Philippines}}</ref> Metro Manila is home to some of the [[List of largest shopping malls in the world|largest shopping malls in the world]], five of which are in the top 20. [[SM Mall of Asia]] in [[Pasay]] ranks as the 5th largest shopping mall in the world, followed by [[SM North EDSA]] in [[Quezon City]] bagging the 13th place. Meanwhile, [[SM Megamall]] in [[Mandaluyong]] ranks as the 15th largest [[shopping mall]] in the world. Other significant shopping malls in Metro Manila are the Ever Gotesco Commonwealth Center, [[Festival Supermall]], [[Greenbelt (Ayala Center)|Greenbelt]], [[Market! Market!]], [[SM Aura Premier]], [[SM Southmall]] and [[TriNoma]].

===Tourism and gambling===
{{Main|Tourism in Manila|Gambling in Metro Manila}}

[[File:Iglesia de San Agustín, Manila, Filipinas, 2023-08-27, DD 73.jpg|thumb|[[San Agustin Church (Manila)|San Agustin Church]], built in 1604, is a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]].]]

[[Tourism]] is a vital industry of the region. Metro Manila is the main gateway to the Philippines. Trade and tourism represent 31.4% of share of NCR's output by industry according to [[Brookings Institution]].<ref name="Brookings" /> Metro Manila welcomed 974,379 overnight visitors in 2012, making it the top overnight tourist destination of the country.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Metro Manila is top overnight tourist destination–DOT |work=[[BusinessMirror]] |url=http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/lifestyle/tourism/17067-metro-manila-is-top-overnight-tourist-destination-dot |url-status=dead |access-date=September 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917163131/http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/lifestyle/tourism/17067-metro-manila-is-top-overnight-tourist-destination-dot |archive-date=September 17, 2013}}</ref> [[Manila]] is visited by the majority of international tourists coming to the country registering a total of 3,139,756 arrivals in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Visitor Arrival and Profile – 2012 |url=http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/images/ads/d99866e3b07afd904fb04c3c2aef018d.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402121306/http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/images/ads/d99866e3b07afd904fb04c3c2aef018d.pdf |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=September 13, 2013 |publisher=[[Department of Tourism (Philippines)|Department of Tourism]]}}</ref>

Metro Manila has opened 4,612 hotel rooms in 2015. It is also expected to exceed the 3,500 annual addition of hotel rooms in the next two years.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 11, 2015 |title=Hotel groups in race to tap Manila gaming scene |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |url=https://www.scmp.com/property/international/article/1734428/hotel-groups-race-tap-manila-gaming-scene |url-status=live |access-date=March 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317144756/http://www.scmp.com/property/international/article/1734428/hotel-groups-race-tap-manila-gaming-scene |archive-date=March 17, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 7, 2015 |title=Hotel boom in Manila offers hope to domestic tourism |work=[[Manila Bulletin]] |url=http://www.mb.com.ph/hotel-boom-in-manila-offers-hope-to-domestic-tourism/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402183344/http://www.mb.com.ph/hotel-boom-in-manila-offers-hope-to-domestic-tourism/ |archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Neil Jerome Morales |date=March 6, 2015 |title=Hotel boom in Manila offers hope to Philippine tourism |work=[[Manila Bulletin]] |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/447961/economy/companies/hotel-boom-in-manila-offers-hope-to-philippine-tourism |url-status=live |access-date=March 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328203931/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/447961/economy/companies/hotel-boom-in-manila-offers-hope-to-philippine-tourism |archive-date=March 28, 2015}}</ref> [[Gambling in Manila|Gambling in Metro Manila]] has also become a popular tourist attraction in the region. Metro Manila is a popular gaming destination in [[Asia]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Billion $ paradise – Manila stakes its claim |url=http://www.macaubusiness.com/news/gaming/billion-paradise-manila-stakes-its-claim.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223144833/http://www.macaubusiness.com/news/gaming/billion-paradise-manila-stakes-its-claim.html |archive-date=February 23, 2015 |access-date=August 28, 2014 |publisher=Macau Business}}</ref> rivaling other major gaming destinations such as [[Macau]] and [[Singapore]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Com |first1=abs-Cbnnews |title=PAGCOR: Entertainment City is all about entertainment and tourism |work=ABS-CBN News |url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/anc/04/05/08/pagcor-entertainment-city-all-about-entertainment-and-tourism |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917160302/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/anc/04/05/08/pagcor-entertainment-city-all-about-entertainment-and-tourism |archive-date=September 17, 2012 |access-date=March 26, 2013 |publisher=ABS-CBNnews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pagcor's Entertainment City seen to draw extra 1-M tourists |url=http://www.philstar.com/business/727913/pagcors-entertainment-city-seen-draw-extra-1-m-tourists |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402165820/http://www.philstar.com/business/727913/pagcors-entertainment-city-seen-draw-extra-1-m-tourists |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=March 26, 2013 |publisher=Philstar.com Business}}</ref> There are around 20 casinos in the metropolis,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Economics and morals of gambling |work=[[The Manila Times]] |url=http://www.manilatimes.net/economics-and-morals-of-gambling/98559/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524024019/http://www.manilatimes.net/economics-and-morals-of-gambling/98559/ |archive-date=May 24, 2014}}</ref> featuring luxurious [[casino hotel]]s and [[integrated resort]]s. Its thriving local gambling market makes Manila attractive to casino operators.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Glitzy casinos to lure more tourists to Manila |work=The Malay Mail Online |url=http://www.themalaymailonline.com/travel/article/glitzy-casinos-to-lure-more-tourists-to-manila |url-status=live |access-date=March 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402103826/http://www.themalaymailonline.com/travel/article/glitzy-casinos-to-lure-more-tourists-to-manila |archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref> Popular gaming destinations are [[Newport World Resorts]] in [[Newport City, Philippines|Newport City]] in [[Pasay]], [[Solaire Resort & Casino]], [[City of Dreams Manila]], [[Okada Manila]], Westside City Resorts World, and [[NayonLanding]] in [[Entertainment City]] in [[Bay City, Metro Manila|Bay City]], [[Parañaque]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Pagcor lowers license fees for operators |work=[[Manila Bulletin]] |url=http://www.mb.com.ph/pagcor-lowers-license-fees-for-operators/ |url-status=dead |access-date=September 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402190504/http://www.mb.com.ph/pagcor-lowers-license-fees-for-operators/ |archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref>

[[File:Okada manila.jpg|thumb|left|[[Okada Manila]] is one of Metro Manila's integrated casino resort and hotel complex.]]

[[Intramuros]] is the historic walled area within the modern City of Manila. Originally, it was considered to be Manila itself at the time when the Philippines was under the [[Spanish Empire]] colonial rule. Owing to its history and cultural value, [[Intramuros]] and [[Rizal Park]] were designated as flagship destination to become a tourism enterprise zone in the Tourism Act of 2009.<ref name="TourismAct" /> [[Intramuros]] is managed by the [[Intramuros Administration]].

The architecture of Intramuros reflects the Spanish colonial style and the American [[neoclassical architecture|neoclassical architectural style]], since the Philippines was a colony of [[Spain]] and the [[United States]] before it was granted its independence in 1946. [[Kalesa]] is a popular mode of transportation in Intramuros and nearby places<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jovic Lee |date=July 20, 2014 |title=Intramuros cocheros: Hooves, history and hope for a fare hike |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer|INQUIRER.net]] |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/621494/intramuros-cocheros-hooves-history-and-hope-for-a-fare-hike |url-status=live |access-date=March 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307100514/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/621494/intramuros-cocheros-hooves-history-and-hope-for-a-fare-hike |archive-date=March 7, 2016}}</ref> such as [[Binondo]], [[Ermita]] and the [[Rizal Park]].

Popular tourist destinations in Intramuros include the Baluarte de San Diego, Club Intramuros Golf Course, [[Cuartel de Santa Lucia]], [[Fort Santiago]], [[Manila Cathedral]], [[Palacio Arzobispal]], Palacio de Santa Potenciana, Palacio del Gobernador, Plaza Mexico, Plaza de Roma, [[San Agustin Church (Manila)|San Agustin Church]] and its newest tourist attraction, the [[Ayuntamiento de Manila]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jennifer Ambanta |date=February 22, 2015 |title=New tourist attraction to open in Intramuros |work=Manila Standard Today |url=http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/02/22/new-tourist-attraction-to-open-in-intramuros/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402130053/http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/02/22/new-tourist-attraction-to-open-in-intramuros/ |archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref>

Some of the country's oldest schools are founded in [[Intramuros]], these are the [[University of Santo Tomas]] (1611), [[Colegio de San Juan de Letran]] (1620), and [[Ateneo de Manila University]] (1859). Only [[Colegio de San Juan de Letran]] (1620) remains at Intramuros; the [[University of Santo Tomas]] transferred to a new campus at [[Sampaloc, Manila|Sampaloc]] in 1927, and Ateneo left Intramuros for Loyola Heights, [[Quezon City]] (while still retaining "de Manila" in its name) in 1952. Other prominent educational institutions include the [[Manila High School (Intramuros)|Manila High School]] and the [[University of the City of Manila]].

=={{vanchor|Culture}} and contemporary life==
{{See also|List of Cultural Properties of the Philippines in Metro Manila|Annual events in Metro Manila}}

Metro Manila is widely celebrated in popular lore, frequently the setting for mostly Filipino books, movies, and television programs. [[Flores de Mayo]] is widely celebrated throughout all the places in Metro Manila. The yearly [[Metro Manila Film Festival]], inaugurated in 1966, is the forerunner of all Philippine film festivals.

===Arts===
{{See also|List of museums in Metro Manila}}
[[File:'Spoliarium' by Juan Luna.jpg|thumb|"''[[Spoliarium]]''", displayed at the [[National Museum of the Philippines]]]]
Metro Manila is the home to the [[National Museum of the Philippines]], the national museum of the country. It operates a chain of museums located in the grounds of [[Rizal Park]] just outside [[Intramuros]], such as the [[National Museum of Fine Arts (Manila)|National Museum of Fine Arts]], the [[National Museum of Anthropology (Manila)|National Museum of Anthropology]] and the [[National Museum of Natural History (Manila)|National Museum of Natural History]]. The National Museum complex occupies the place and buildings that were a part of a new capital center proposed by [[Daniel Burnham]] in 1901.

Prominent museums in Metro Manila include the [[Ayala Museum]], [[Bahay Tsinoy]], [[Casa Manila]], [[Lopez Museum]], [[Metropolitan Museum of Manila]], [[The Mind Museum]], [[Museo Pambata]], [[Museo Valenzuela]], [[Museum of Philippine Political History]], [[Pasig City Museum]] and the [[Rizal Shrine (Intramuros)|Rizal Shrine]]. Museums established by educational institutions are the [[Ateneo Art Gallery]], [[Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center]], Museum of Contemporary Art and Design,<ref>{{Cite news |last=John Batten |title=Manila essence: your guide to city's contemporary art scene |work=South China Morning Post |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1725010/manila-essence-your-guide-citys-contemporary-art-scene |url-status=live |access-date=March 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150308141349/http://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1725010/manila-essence-your-guide-citys-contemporary-art-scene |archive-date=March 8, 2015}}</ref> [[University of the Philippines Museum of a History of Ideas|UP Museum of a History of Ideas]], and the [[UST Museum of Arts and Sciences]].

The national theater of the Philippines, known as the "''[[Tanghalang Pambansa]]''", is situated on a {{convert|62|ha|acre}} cultural center called the [[Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex]]. The complex is located between the cities of [[Manila]] and [[Pasay]]. Aside from the CCP, other popular performing arts venue include Cuneta Astrodome, [[Mall of Asia Arena]], [[Rizal Park]], [[Quezon Memorial Circle]] and [[Smart Araneta Coliseum]]. Other venues used are the UPFI Film Center and UP Theater in the [[University of the Philippines Diliman]]. The famed [[Manila Metropolitan Theater]], also known as The Met, was constructed in 1931 and was known as the "Grand Dame" among all the [[Art Deco theaters of Manila]]. Years of neglect forces its closure in 1996. The Met will be restored through a tripartite agreement with the [[National Commission for Culture and the Arts]], the National Museum of the Philippines and the Escuela Taller.
{{Further|topic=the artist-run art gallery|Light and Space Contemporary}}

===Religion===
[[Catholic Church|Catholicism]] is the predominant religion in Metro Manila.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bueza |first=Michael |date=January 18, 2015 |title=MAP: Catholicism in the Philippines |url=http://www.rappler.com//newsbreak/iq/81162-map-catholicism-philippines |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416052517/https://www.rappler.com//newsbreak/iq/81162-map-catholicism-philippines |archive-date=April 16, 2019 |access-date=April 16, 2019 |website=Rappler}}</ref> Other Christian denominations, Muslims, [[Dambana|Anitists]], animists, and atheists are the minority. Among the most important religious sites in the region are [[Manila Cathedral]], [[San Sebastian Church (Manila)]], [[Tondo Church]], [[San Agustin Church (Manila)]], [[Quiapo Church]] and [[Baclaran Church]].

===Sports===
[[File:Mall_of_Asia_Arena_2019.jpg|thumb|A [[2019 Southeast Asian Games]] basketball game held at the [[Mall of Asia Arena]].]]
The National Capital Region is the home to the headquarters of the [[ASEAN Basketball League]], [[Baseball Philippines]], [[Philippine Basketball Association]], [[Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League]], [[Philippine Super Liga]], [[Premier Volleyball League|Shakey's V-League]] and the [[Philippines Football League]]. Collegiate leagues based in the National Capital Region are the [[Colleges and Universities Sports Association]], [[National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities]], [[National Collegiate Athletic Association (Philippines)|National Collegiate Athletic Association]], [[National Capital Region Athletic Association]], [[State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association]], [[Universities and Colleges Athletic Association]], [[University Athletic Association of the Philippines]], [[Women's National Collegiate Athletic Association]], [[Men's National Collegiate Athletic Association]] and [[University of Makati]]'s [[Association of Local Colleges and Universities]].

Two national sports complex is located in the region, the [[Rizal Memorial Sports Complex]] and the [[PhilSports Complex]]. The [[Wack Wack Golf and Country Club]] has hosted major tournaments such as the [[Philippine Open (golf)|Philippine Open]] and the [[World Cup (men's golf)|World Cup]]. Prominent sporting venues in Metro Manila include the [[Smart Araneta Coliseum]], [[Mall of Asia Arena]], [[Filoil Flying V Arena]] and the [[Cuneta Astrodome]]. The [[Greater Manila Area]] is also home to the [[Philippine Arena]], the [[List of indoor arenas by capacity|world's largest indoor arena]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Newcomb |first=Tim |date=August 31, 2011 |title=Building Bigger: World's Largest Indoor Arena Set for the Philippines |url=https://newsfeed.time.com/2011/08/31/building-bigger-world%E2%80%99s-largest-indoor-arena-set-for-the-philippines/ |url-status=live |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626194634/http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/08/31/building-bigger-world%E2%80%99s-largest-indoor-arena-set-for-the-philippines/ |archive-date=June 26, 2013 |access-date=July 8, 2013}}</ref> It is located in [[Bocaue]], Bulacan and it has a maximum capacity of 55,000 people.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 10, 2014 |title=Hanwha E&C Completes World's Largest Indoor Arena Construction in the Philippines |publisher=The Korea Bizwire |url=http://koreabizwire.com/hanwha-ec-completes-worlds-largest-indoor-arena-construction-in-the-philippines/11706 |url-status=live |access-date=July 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714145220/http://koreabizwire.com/hanwha-ec-completes-worlds-largest-indoor-arena-construction-in-the-philippines/11706 |archive-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref>

Metro Manila's, and in general the country's main sport is [[basketball]]. Another popular sport in the city are cue sports, and billiard halls are found in many places. [[Baseball]], [[volleyball]], [[association football|football]] and [[Swimming (sport)|swimming]] are also widely played sports. The region has been the champion of the [[Palarong Pambansa]] for 13 straight years.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 9, 2015 |title=NCR extends Palaro reign to 13 years |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |url=http://sports.inquirer.net/181175/ncr-extends-palaro-reign-to-13-years |url-status=live |access-date=May 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518212611/http://sports.inquirer.net/181175/ncr-extends-palaro-reign-to-13-years |archive-date=May 18, 2015}}</ref> [[Manila Storm]] are a rugby league team training out of [[Rizal Park]] (Luneta Park) and playing home matches at the Southern Plains Field, [[Calamba, Laguna]]. The Metro Manila area is also home to a number of [[rugby union]] teams such as the Alabang Eagles, Makati Mavericks, [[Manila Nomads Sports Club]] and the Manila Hapons.

==Human resources==
===Education===
{{See also|List of universities and colleges in Metro Manila}}
[[File:University of the Philippines.jpg|thumb|left|[[University of the Philippines Diliman]] is the flagship university of the [[University of the Philippines ]]System since 1949.]]
[[File:Ateneo campus academic buildings (Katipunan, Quezon City; 05-13-2022).jpg|thumb|The [[Ateneo de Manila]] campus in Katipunan, Quezon City.]]

Since the Spanish colonial period, Manila has been the center of education. The country's top ranked universities, colloquially known as the "[[Big Four (universities)|Big Four]]", located in Metro Manila, are widely known to be as follows, [[University of the Philippines|University of the Philippines System]], [[Ateneo de Manila University]], [[De La Salle University]], and [[University of Santo Tomas]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020 |title=QS Asia University Rankings 2020 |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/asian-university-rankings/2020 |website=QS World University Rankings |access-date=May 4, 2020 |archive-date=May 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504230203/https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/asian-university-rankings/2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020 |title=World University Rankings 2020 |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2020/world-ranking#!/page/0/length/25/locations/PH/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats |website=Times Higher Education World University Rankings |access-date=May 4, 2020 |archive-date=September 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190918163456/https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2020/world-ranking#!/page/0/length/25/locations/PH/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[University of Santo Tomas]] (1611), [[Colegio de San Juan de Letran]] (1620) and [[Ateneo de Manila University]] (1859) are some of the oldest educational institutions that was established during the colonial period. The [[University of the Philippines]], along with seven other [[State university and college (Philippines)|State Universities and Colleges]] (SUC), namely the [[Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology]], [[Marikina Polytechnic College]], [[Philippine Normal University]], [[Philippine State College of Aeronautics]], [[Polytechnic University of the Philippines]], [[Rizal Technological University]] and the [[Technological University of the Philippines]], are based in Metro Manila. Manila's [[University Belt]] form the largest concentration of higher education institutes in the Philippines, making Manila the center for [[Higher education in the Philippines|higher learning]] in the country.

[[File:De La Salle University Manila La Salle Hall Night Skyline Taft Avenue.jpg|thumb|[[De La Salle University|De La Salle University (DLSU)]]|alt=|left]]

Notable secondary schools in Metro Manila include the [[Philippine Science High School]] in [[Diliman, Quezon City]], the national [[science education|science school]] of the Philippines, [[St. Lino Science High School]], and the [[Manila Science High School]] in [[Ermita]], the forerunner of all the science schools in the country. Primary and secondary education is in the region is governed by the Department of Education-National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR). Meanwhile, the higher educational institutions are under the [[Commission on Higher Education (Philippines)|CHED]]-National Capital Region.

The region has the highest literacy rate among all the regions of the Philippines, with 99.2% in 2008. Literacy rate for males is at 99.0% while literacy rate for females is at 99.4%.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Education |url=http://www.nscb.gov.ph/secstat/d_educ.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315001515/http://nscb.gov.ph/secstat/d_educ.asp |archive-date=March 15, 2015 |access-date=March 6, 2015 |publisher=National Statistics Coordination Board}}</ref> For the school year of 2008–2009, Metro Manila has 511 public elementary schools and 220 public secondary schools. There are 309 tertiary (public and private) institutions as of the year-end of 2009. For the said school year, enrollment in public elementary schools is at 1,219,333, public secondary schools at 661,019 and 687,096 for tertiary (public and private) institutions.<ref name="NCR Statwatch">{{Cite web |date=December 10, 2012 |title=Statwatch – National Capital Region |url=http://www.nscb.gov.ph/stats/statwatch_ncr.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317182735/http://nscb.gov.ph/stats/statwatch_ncr.asp |archive-date=March 17, 2015 |access-date=March 5, 2015 |publisher=National Statistical Coordination Board}}</ref>

===Public health===
{{See also|List of hospitals in Metro Manila}}
[[File:St Lukes Medical Center BGC.JPG|thumb|[[St. Luke's Medical Center]] – Global City in [[Taguig]], named as one of the best hospitals in the world.]]
[[File:Ph-mm-manila-ermita-taft ave.-philippine general hospital (up-pgh) (2014).JPG|thumb|[[Philippine General Hospital]] in [[Ermita, Manila]].]]
[[Health care|Healthcare]] in Metro Manila is mostly provided by private corporations. 72% of region's hospitals are privately owned. {{As of|2009}}, the region has 179 hospitals. [[Quezon City]] has the most hospitals while [[Pateros]] does not have any.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2011 |title=Profile of Private Hospitals in the Philippines |url=http://dirp4.pids.gov.ph/ris/dps/pidsdps1105.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324232623/http://dirp4.pids.gov.ph/ris/dps/pidsdps1105.pdf |archive-date=March 24, 2015 |access-date=March 6, 2015 |publisher=Philippine Institute for Development Studies}}</ref> In 2008, government health workers in NCR comprises 590 doctors, 498 dentists, 4,576 nurses, and 17,437 midwives. Furthermore, Metro Manila has 27,779 beds with a ratio of 2.47 per 1,000 population {{As of|2008|lc=y}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Philippine Health System at a Glance |url=http://www.doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/3%20Chapter1.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501000503/http://www.doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/3%20Chapter1.pdf |archive-date=May 1, 2015 |access-date=March 6, 2015 |publisher=[[Department of Health (Philippines)|Department of Health]]}}</ref> The region has the lowest malnutrition rate among all the regions in the country.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 13, 2015 |title=Makati, Taguig lead NCR cities in fight vs malnutrition |work=Rappler |url=http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/hunger/86770-metro-manila-cities-malnutrition |url-status=live |access-date=March 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317183542/http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/hunger/86770-metro-manila-cities-malnutrition |archive-date=March 17, 2015}}</ref>

The headquarters of the [[World Health Organization]] Regional Office for the Western Pacific, and the World Health Organization Country Office for the Philippines are in the region. The main office of the [[Department of Health (Philippines)|Department of Health]], the national health department, is also in the region.

Metro Manila is designated by the [[Department of Health (Philippines)|Department of Health]] as the pioneer of [[medical tourism]], expecting it to generate $1&nbsp;billion in revenue annually.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Medical Tourism, Treatments and Surgery in Manila |url=http://www.world-guides.com/asia/philippines/national-capital-region/manila/manila_medical.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307080422/http://www.world-guides.com/asia/philippines/national-capital-region/manila/manila_medical.html |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |access-date=October 27, 2014 |publisher=World Guides}}</ref> However, lack of progressive health system, inadequate infrastructure and the unstable political environment are seen as hindrances for its growth.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Edgardo S. Tugade |date=June 1, 2014 |title=Challenges to PH medical tourism |work=[[The Manila Times]] |url=http://www.manilatimes.net/challenges-to-ph-medical-tourism/100820/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307080425/http://www.manilatimes.net/challenges-to-ph-medical-tourism/100820/ |archive-date=March 7, 2016}}</ref> Under the Philippine Medical Tourism Program, there are 16 participating hospitals (private and public) in Metro Manila with a total number of 6,748 beds {{As of|2013|lc=y}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 2013 |title=Medical Tourism in the Philippines: Market Profile, Benchmarking Exercise and S.W.O.T. Analysis |url=http://dirp4.pids.gov.ph/ris/dps/pidsdps1345.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324233045/http://dirp4.pids.gov.ph/ris/dps/pidsdps1345.pdf |archive-date=March 24, 2015 |access-date=March 6, 2015 |publisher=[[Department of Health (Philippines)|Department of Health]]}}</ref> Five out of six hospitals in the country accredited by the [[Joint Commission]] International are in the region, these are the [[Asian Hospital and Medical Center]], [[Makati Medical Center]], [[St. Luke's Medical Center]] – Global City, [[St. Luke's Medical Center]] – Quezon City and [[The Medical City]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=JCI-Accredited Organizations |url=http://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/about-jci/jci-accredited-organizations/?c=Philippines |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309215633/http://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/about-jci/jci-accredited-organizations/?c=philippines |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=March 21, 2015 |publisher=[[Joint Commission]] International}}</ref>

[[East Avenue, Quezon City|East Avenue]] in [[Quezon City]] is the location of prominent national health centers: the [[Lung Center of the Philippines]], [[National Kidney and Transplant Institute]], and the [[Philippine Heart Center]]. Other national special hospital in Metro Manila include the [[Philippine Orthopedic Center]] in [[Quezon City]], and the [[National Center for Mental Health]] in [[Mandaluyong]]. The [[Philippine General Hospital]], the country's premier state-owned tertiary hospital is located at the [[Manila|City of Manila]]. The [[St. Luke's Medical Center]] which operates in [[Quezon City]] and [[Taguig]], is a private [[tertiary referral hospital]] cited as one of the best hospitals in the world.<ref name="stluke1">{{Cite web |title=Hurray for St. Luke's! SLMC-GC chosen as one of the world's most beautiful hospitals |url=http://www.stluke.com.ph/home.php/p/News__Events/s/In_the_News/n/Hurray_for_St_Lukes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228043016/http://www.stluke.com.ph/home.php/p/News__Events/s/In_the_News/n/Hurray_for_St_Lukes |archive-date=February 28, 2013 |access-date=February 22, 2013 |publisher=St. Luke's Medical Center}}</ref><ref name="ABS-CBN News">{{Cite web |title=St. Luke's lands on list of world's best hospitals |url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/01/21/14/st-lukes-lands-list-worlds-best-hospitals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915201404/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/01/21/14/st-lukes-lands-list-worlds-best-hospitals |archive-date=September 15, 2014 |access-date=August 21, 2014 |publisher=ABS-CBN News}}</ref>

===Public safety===
[[File:Crame headquarters 3.jpg|thumb|[[Camp Crame]] is the headquarters of the [[Philippine National Police]]]]
[[File:35th National Reservists Week 10.jpg|thumb|[[Camp Aguinaldo]] is the headquarters of the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]]]]

The [[Philippine National Police]] is responsible for law enforcement in the country. Its headquarters is located at [[Camp Crame]] along [[Bonny Serrano Avenue]], [[Quezon City]]. The [[National Capital Region Police Office]] (NCRPO) is the regional branch of PNP that operates in the region. Its headquarters is located at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig. Under the supervision of NCRPO, Metro Manila is divided into five police districts. The five police districts are the Northern Police District, Eastern Police District, Southern Police District and Quezon City Police District.<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Capital Region Police Office |url=http://ncrpo.pnp.gov.ph/index.php/about-us |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402103654/http://ncrpo.pnp.gov.ph/index.php/about-us |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=March 6, 2015 |publisher=National Capital Region Police Office}}</ref>

Metro Manila has the highest rate of crime in the country in 2014, with 59,448 crimes reported (excluding crimes reported in barangay level) with 25,353 of these crimes committed against persons.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Francisco Tuyay |date=June 28, 2014 |title=Crime incidents up by 44k with highest rate in Metro |work=Manila Standard Today |url=http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/06/28/crime-incidents-up-by-44k-with-highest-rate-in-metro/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216010526/http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/06/28/crime-incidents-up-by-44k-with-highest-rate-in-metro/ |archive-date=December 16, 2014}}</ref> Following criticisms of high crime rate in Metro Manila, the [[Philippine National Police]] launched a relentless anti-crime drive that resulted in the decrease of crimes in the metropolis.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Non Alquitran |date=February 17, 2015 |title=Metro Manila a safer place – Roxas |work=The Philippine Star |url=https://ph.news.yahoo.com/metro-manila-safer-place-roxas-000000685.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402104423/https://ph.news.yahoo.com/metro-manila-safer-place-roxas-000000685.html |archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Non Alquitran |date=March 16, 2015 |title=Metro Manila crime rate down |work=The Philippine Star |url=http://www.philstar.com/metro/2015/03/16/1434088/metro-manila-crime-rate-down |url-status=live |access-date=March 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402102254/http://www.philstar.com/metro/2015/03/16/1434088/metro-manila-crime-rate-down |archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref> As of March 2015 Metro Manila's crime rate is down by 50%. From an average of 919 crimes reported weekly, it has gone down to 412. Recorded robberies and theft also decreased by 63 in just a month.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cecille Suerte Felipe |date=March 5, 2015 |title=PNP: Metro Manila crime rate drops by 50% |work=The Philippine Star |url=http://www.philstar.com/metro/2015/03/05/1430095/pnp-metro-manila-crime-rate-drops-50 |url-status=live |access-date=March 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402143912/http://www.philstar.com/metro/2015/03/05/1430095/pnp-metro-manila-crime-rate-drops-50 |archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref> All the 159 police community precincts of Metro Manila will be using the electronic blotter system in recording crimes starting June 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mikas Matsuzawa |date=May 7, 2015 |title=Metro Manila police precincts to use e-blotter system |url=http://cnnphilippines.com/metro/2015/05/07/metro-manila-police-use-e-blotter-e-cirs.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095143/http://cnnphilippines.com/metro/2015/05/07/metro-manila-police-use-e-blotter-e-cirs.html |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |access-date=May 10, 2015 |publisher=[[CNN Philippines]]}}</ref>

The Bureau of Fire Protection National Capital Region provides [[fire protection]] and technical rescue as well as [[emergency medical services]] to the metropolis. It is broadly organized into five firefighting districts: Manila, [[Quezon City Fire District|Quezon City]], District II, District III and District IV.

The headquarters of the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]] is located at [[Camp Aguinaldo]], along with the [[Department of National Defense (Philippines)|Department of National Defense]], in Murphy, Quezon City. Aside from Camp Aguinaldo, other military bases situated in the region are [[Camp Atienza]] and [[Fort Bonifacio]]. The [[Philippine Army]] has their headquarters at [[Fort Bonifacio]], [[Taguig]]. The [[Villamor Air Base]] in [[Ninoy Aquino International Airport]] is the home to the headquarters of the [[Philippine Air Force]] while the headquarters of the [[Philippine Navy]] is located at [[Roxas Boulevard]], [[Malate, Manila]].

The [[Philippine Coast Guard]] is headquartered at [[Port Area, Manila|Port Area]] (Manila South Harbor), [[Manila|City of Manila]]. Its Coast Guard NCR District also has its headquarters in the city and has another Coast Guard Station in [[Pasig]]. It also has a base in [[Taguig]] and maintains several detachments located in Navotas, [[Parañaque]], Tangos, Vitas, Manila North Harbor, Manila South Harbor and the [[Cultural Center of the Philippines]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coast Guard District NCR – Central Luzon |url=http://www.coastguardncr-centralluzon.com/coast-guard-manila/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518103032/http://www.coastguardncr-centralluzon.com/coast-guard-manila/ |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |access-date=May 11, 2015 |publisher=[[Philippine Coast Guard]]}}</ref>

In 2012, the [[AFP Joint Task Force-National Capital Region]] was launched to ensure peace and stability in Metro Manila, bearing the same function of the deactivated [[National Capital Regional Command (Philippines)|National Capital Regional Command]], although it operates on a much smaller size than its predecessor.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alexis Romero |date=July 12, 2012 |title=New AFP task force launched |work=[[The Philippine Star|PhilStar.com]] |url=http://www.philstar.com/metro/2012/07/12/826806/new-afp-task-force-launched |url-status=live |access-date=March 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307100304/http://www.philstar.com/metro/2012/07/12/826806/new-afp-task-force-launched |archive-date=March 7, 2016}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==
===Transportation===
{{Main|Transportation in Metro Manila}}

{{See also|Metro Manila Dream Plan}}

According to the [[Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (Philippines)|Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board]], public ridership in Metro Manila composes of the following: 46% of the people go around by [[jeepney]]s, 32% by private vehicle, 14% by bus, and 8% use the railway system.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Katerina Francisco |date=March 5, 2015 |title=Fixing traffic: Jeeps eyed as feeders to bus routes |work=Rappler |url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/85871-jeepney-feeder-vehicle-transport-plan |url-status=live |access-date=March 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150306193415/http://www.rappler.com/nation/85871-jeepney-feeder-vehicle-transport-plan |archive-date=March 6, 2015}}</ref> Transportation development in Metro Manila follows the [[Metro Manila Dream Plan]], which consists of building short-term to long-term infrastructure lasting up to 2030 and addressing its issues on traffic, land use and environment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 2, 2014 |title=JICA transport study lists strategies for congestion-free MM by 2030 |url=http://www.jica.go.jp/philippine/english/office/topics/news/140902.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150802043347/http://www.jica.go.jp/philippine/english/office/topics/news/140902.html |archive-date=August 2, 2015 |access-date=March 27, 2015 |publisher=[[Japan International Cooperation Agency]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Jerry E. Esplanada |date=April 20, 2014 |title=Japan presents $57-B 'dream plan' to solve Metro congestion |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer|INQUIRER.net]] |url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/102377/japan-presents-57-b-dream-plan-to-solve-metro-congestion/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116072021/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/102377/japan-presents-57-b-dream-plan-to-solve-metro-congestion |archive-date=November 16, 2015}}</ref>

====Roads and highways====
{{Main|List of roads in Metro Manila}}

[[File:EDSA-Estrella, Guadalupe (Makati; 06-20-2021).jpg|thumb|left|[[Estrella Flyover]] at [[EDSA]] in [[Makati]].]]
[[File:SLEX and Elevated Extension Southbound 2023-04-05.jpg|thumb|Southern tip of [[Metro Manila Skyway|Skyway]] at the [[South Luzon Expressway]] in [[Muntinlupa]].]]

The roads of Metro Manila are built around the [[Manila|City of Manila]]. Roads are classified as local, national or subdivision roads. There are ten radial roads branching out from the city. Also there are five circumferential roads forming a series of concentric semi-circular arcs around Manila. The circumferential and radial roads are systems of interconnected roads, bridges and highways. A problem with the circumferential roads are the missing road links. These are the roads that are not yet constructed to give way for development due to Metro Manila's rapid urbanization. The metropolis is resolving this problem through the completion of missing road links or through the construction of connector roads.

The radial and circumferential road system are being supplanted by a new numbered highway system implemented by the [[Department of Public Works and Highways]], and new signage are being placed with its implementation. Expressways are being assigned numbers with the E prefix. National roads are assigned 1 to 3 digit numbers, except for those classified as tertiary national roads.

An important circumferential road is the [[Circumferential Road 4]], with the [[EDSA|Epifanio de los Santos Avenue]] as its major component. It traverses the cities of [[Pasay]], [[Makati]], [[Mandaluyong]], [[Quezon City]] and [[Caloocan]]. [[Manila Metro Rail Transit System Line 3|Line 3]] follows the alignment of EDSA, from [[Taft Avenue]] in [[Pasay]] up to [[TriNoma]], terminating before it reaches [[Caloocan]]. [[Circumferential Road 5]] serves the people near the regional limits of Metro Manila and also serves as an alternate route for Circumferential Road 4.

Prominent radial roads include the Radial Road 1, composed of [[Roxas Boulevard]] and the [[Manila–Cavite Expressway]] (Coastal Road) that connects Metro Manila to [[Cavite]], Radial Road 3 or the [[South Luzon Expressway]] that connects Metro Manila to [[Laguna (province)|Laguna]], Radial Road 6, composed of [[Aurora Boulevard]] and [[Marikina–Infanta Highway|Marcos Highway]] that runs up to [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]] and Radial Road 8 or the [[North Luzon Expressway]] that serves as the gateway to the north.

The [[Skyway (Metro Manila)|Skyway]] serves as the region's main [[Controlled-access highway|expressway]], directly connecting the North Luzon Expressway and the South Luzon Expressway. It also enables access to Ninoy Aquino International Airport via the [[NAIA Expressway]] (NAIAX). The Skyway is the first fully grade-separated highway in the [[Philippines]] and one of the longest elevated highways in the world with a total length of approximately {{convert|42.79|km|mi|sp=us}}. Other expressways such as the Manila–Cavite Expressway and [[Muntinlupa–Cavite Expressway]] also connect Metro Manila to its surrounding areas.

The development of roads, highways and expressways are based on the [[Metro Manila Dream Plan]]. Ongoing projects in the dream plan include the rehabilitation of EDSA, [[CAVITEX–C-5 Link]], [[NLEX Connector]], and the construction of the missing road links for the circumferential roads.

====Railway systems====
{{Main|Rail transportation in the Greater Manila Area}}

{{multiple image
| perrow            = 2
| footer            = Various railway systems in Metro Manila; from top left to right: [[LRT Line 1]], [[LRT Line 2 (Metro Manila)|LRT Line 2]], [[MRT Line 3 (Metro Manila)|MRT Line 3]], and [[PNR Metro Commuter Line|PNR Metro Commuter]].
| align             = right
| width             = 160
| image1            = Two LRT-1 4th Gen trains at EDSA 2025-02-05.jpg
| alt1              = LRT Line 1
| image2            = LRT-2 Cubao 2023-06-04.jpg
| alt2              = LRT Line 2
| image3            = MRT-3 Tatra and Dalian Ortigas 2025-08-07.jpg
| alt3              = MRT Line 3
| image4            = PNR train, NLEX Connector Project Espana (Manila; 02-27-2022).jpg
| alt4              = PNR Metro Commuter
}}

[[File:Metro Manila rail network.svg|thumb|System map of the Metro Manila railway system.]]Rail transportation in the Greater Manila Area is a major part of the [[Transportation in Metro Manila|transportation system]] in Metro Manila and [[Greater Manila Area|its surrounding areas]]. It consists of the [[Manila Light Rail Transit System]], [[Manila Metro Rail Transit System]], and the [[PNR Metro Commuter Line]]. As of 2021, the three systems and its four operational lines combined has [[List of rail transit stations in the Greater Manila Area|82 stations]], covering a total of {{convert|113.3|km|mi|1|abbr=on}}. The network makes up the majority of active railways in the country and bear the brunt of providing the metropolis with rail as a faster alternative mode of transport other than [[bus]]es and [[jeepney]]s. However, these systems are currently insufficient for the rapidly expanding metropolis; to address this, new lines and line extensions are under construction, which will extend the system far out into neighboring regions.<ref name=":23">{{Cite web |last=Times |first=The Manila |date=March 9, 2021 |title=Praiseworthy progress in commuter rail infrastructure |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/03/09/opinion/editorial/praiseworthy-progress-in-commuter-rail-infrastructure/848945 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324073538/https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/03/09/opinion/editorial/praiseworthy-progress-in-commuter-rail-infrastructure/848945/ |archive-date=March 24, 2021 |access-date=July 13, 2021 |website=The Manila Times |language=en}}</ref>

Several new railway projects are being undertaken by the national government and the private sector. These include the [[North–South Commuter Railway]], the [[Metro Manila Subway]], and [[MRT Line 7 (Metro Manila)|MRT Line 7]], all of which are under construction.<ref name=":23" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Balinbin |first=Arjay L. |date=February 5, 2021 |title=Deployment of 25 tunnel-boring machines signals big push for subway completion |work=BusinessWorld |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/deployment-of-25-tunnel-boring-machines-signals-big-push-for-subway-completion/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206050038/https://www.bworldonline.com/deployment-of-25-tunnel-boring-machines-signals-big-push-for-subway-completion/ |archive-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> Line extensions such as the LRT Line 1 Cavite extension and the LRT Line 2 West extension are in the pipeline.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=LOOK: Gov't to build 3 more Line 2 stations |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/10/13/19/look-govt-to-build-3-more-lrt-2-stations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123222442/https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/10/13/19/look-govt-to-build-3-more-lrt-2-stations |archive-date=January 23, 2020 |access-date=January 30, 2020 |website=ABS-CBN News |language=en}}</ref> The proposed [[MRT Line 4 (Metro Manila)|MRT Line 4]] was also planned.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Piad |first=Tyrone Jasper C. |date=2024-11-15 |title=DOTr finalizing MRT 4 design after securing $1-B ADB funding for project |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2005057/dotr-finalizing-mrt-4-design-after-securing-1-b-adb-funding-for-project |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}</ref> Other line extensions and railway lines are in the planning stage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tutuban Center may become Manila's busiest station |url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/20/15/tutuban-center-may-becom≤e-manilas-busiest-transfer-station |access-date=March 21, 2015 |publisher=ABS-CBN News }}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name=":3" />

====Air====
{{wide image|Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 Panorama.jpg|700|[[Ninoy Aquino International Airport]] Terminal 3}}
[[Ninoy Aquino International Airport]] (NAIA) is the only airport and the premier gateway in Metro Manila. It is the busiest airport in the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Darwin G. Amojelar |date=September 3, 2012 |title=NAIA is Philippines' busiest airport – NSCB |url=http://www.interaksyon.com/business/36428/naia-is-philippines-busiest-airport---nscb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215103448/http://www.interaksyon.com/business/36428/naia-is-philippines-busiest-airport---nscb |archive-date=February 15, 2013 |access-date=June 29, 2013 |publisher=InterAksyon.com}}</ref> NAIA has four terminals: [[NAIA Terminal 1|Terminal 1]], Terminal 2 (which is exclusively used by [[Philippine Airlines]]), Terminal 3 (the newest and largest airport terminal in NAIA) and Terminal 4 (also known as the Manila Domestic passenger Terminal). The other airport that serves Metro Manila is [[Clark International Airport]] in [[Angeles City]] which is located {{convert|80|km|mi|sp=us}} away.

====Buses====
{{See also|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|Premium Point-to-Point Bus Service}}

Bus franchises in the region are regulated by the [[Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (Philippines)|Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board]]. The [[Premium Point-to-Point Bus Service]] is the express bus system that runs from its dispatch terminal in Fairview up to the central business districts along [[EDSA]]. It aims to cut travel time substantially and provide a faster, safer and more convenient bus service to commuters, who are usually caught at the heavy traffic across the metropolis.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 23, 2015 |title=Express buses get underway on EDSA |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/457517/news/metromanila/express-buses-get-underway-on-edsa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614191716/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/457517/news/metromanila/express-buses-get-underway-on-edsa |archive-date=June 14, 2015 |access-date=May 22, 2015 |publisher=GMA News Online}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 20, 2015 |title=Gov't to launch express bus system in Metro Manila |url=http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=govt-to-launch-express-bus-system-in-metro-manila&id=104760 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705130637/http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=govt-to-launch-express-bus-system-in-metro-manila&id=104760 |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |access-date=May 22, 2015 |publisher=BusinessWorld Online}}</ref> A second express bus link from SM North EDSA, [[Trinoma]] and SM Megamall to Makati opened in December 2015, and by January 2016 was the line on which, for the first time in nearly three decades, a [[double-decker bus]] traveled on EDSA, to the delight of motorists, followed by a third link, this time from [[Robinsons Galleria]] to the [[Ayala Center]] complex in February 2016 and a fourth in March linking the Ayala Center to the Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa via the Metro Manila Skyway (and later to Ayala Malls South Park). As of the present express buses also link the Market Market mall and Circuit Makati to both the Nuvali residential township and the Pacita Village complex in San Pedro, both in Laguna, in services launched in 2014 and 2017, respectively (plus additional services to the UP Town Mall in Quezon City and SM Masinag in Antipolo, Rizal), while intercity express buses have been in operation since 2015 to alleviate traffic on EDSA. In 2018, additional services from the Makati CBD and from San Lorenzo Place up to Cavite debuted.

Metro Manila has a [[bus rapid transit]] (BRT) system, particularly the [[EDSA Carousel]]. Another BRT system will traverse for {{convert|27.7|km|mi|sp=us}} from [[Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City|Commonwealth Avenue]] up to the [[Manila City Hall]]. The planned BRT system costs ₱4.9&nbsp;billion ($109.5&nbsp;million) and will have a fleet of 300 buses and 32 stations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 24, 2015 |title=DOTC eyeing bus rapid transit to ease traffic in Metro Manila |url=http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/231424688215/dotc-eyeing-bus-rapid-transit-to-ease-traffic-in-metro-manila |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402105112/http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/231424688215/dotc-eyeing-bus-rapid-transit-to-ease-traffic-in-metro-manila |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=March 23, 2015 |website=Philippine Information Agency}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 22, 2015 |title=DOTC: Metro Manila to have its first bus rapid transit operational by 2018 |url=http://www.interaksyon.com/business/105567/dotc-metro-manila-to-have-its-first-bus-rapid-transit-operational-by-2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329073417/http://www.interaksyon.com/business/105567/dotc-metro-manila-to-have-its-first-bus-rapid-transit-operational-by-2018 |archive-date=March 29, 2015 |access-date=March 23, 2015 |publisher=[[News5|Interaksyon]]}}</ref>

====Ferry====
{{Main|Pasig River Ferry Service}}

The [[Pasig River Ferry Service]] run by the [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]] is the principal [[ferry]] shuttle system of Metro Manila. It traverses the [[Pasig River]] from Barangay Pinagbuhatan in [[Pasig]] to Plaza Mexico in [[Intramuros]]. Although it was referred to as a [[ferry]], it is more akin to a [[water taxi|water bus]]. It has 17 stations, but only 14 are operational. Another ferry route called the Manila-Bataan Ferry was launched on May 10, 2017, and traverses [[Manila Bay]] from the Bay Terminal at [[Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex|CCP Complex]] in Manila to [[Orion, Bataan]]. A new ferry route known as the Cavite-Manila Ferry Service that runs between [[Noveleta]], [[Cavite]] and [[Intramuros]] was launched in January 2018.

===Electricity and water===
{{Further|Water privatization in Metro Manila}}
[[File:Metro Manila Water Zones.svg|thumb|upright|Water zones for Metro Manila and the surrounding areas. [[Maynilad Water Services]] operates in the red areas while [[Manila Water]] operates in the blue areas.]]

[[Meralco]] is the sole electric distributor of Metro Manila. It generates its power from the [[National Power Corporation]] and other independent power producers in [[Luzon]]. The [[Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System]] (MWSS) was responsible for the supply and delivery of potable water and the sewerage system in Metro Manila. It was [[Water privatization in Metro Manila|privatized in 1997]] and the region and its immediate surrounding areas were split into the east and west concession. The winning corporations provide the same function of MWSS.

The [[Maynilad Water Services]] took over the west zone, which is composed of [[Manila]] (excluding the southeastern part of the city), [[Caloocan]], [[Las Piñas]], [[Malabon]], [[Muntinlupa]], [[Navotas]], [[Parañaque]], [[Pasay]] and [[Valenzuela, Metro Manila|Valenzuela]]. It also operates in some parts of [[Makati]] and [[Quezon City]]. [[Manila Water]] operates on the east zone, comprising the cities of [[Mandaluyong]], [[Marikina]], [[Pasig]], [[Pateros]], [[San Juan, Metro Manila|San Juan]] and [[Taguig]]. It also operates in large areas of Makati and Quezon City and the southeastern part of Manila, which was excluded from the west zone.

For garbage hauling, the region spent ₱4.221&nbsp;billion ($93.855&nbsp;million) in 2013. Quezon City spent the most at ₱994.59&nbsp;million ($22.115&nbsp;million) while Pateros, the region's only municipality, spent the least money on garbage at ₱9.478&nbsp;million ($210,747).<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 6, 2014 |title=Metro Manila spent P4.2B to get rid of 2013 garbage |work=Rappler |url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/71151-garbage-hauling-expenses-metro-manila |url-status=live |access-date=March 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222221547/http://www.rappler.com/nation/71151-garbage-hauling-expenses-metro-manila |archive-date=December 22, 2014}}</ref>

==Media==
===Radio stations===
{{Main|List of radio stations in Metro Manila}}

===TV stations===
====Analog====
{{Main|List of analog television stations in the Philippines#Metro Manila}}

====Digital====
{{Main|List of digital television stations in the Philippines#Metro Manila}}

==Notable personalities==
{{main|List of people from Metro Manila}}

==See also==
*[[Outline of Metro Manila]]
*[[List of metropolitan areas in Asia]]
*[[Greater Manila Area]]
*[[Imperial Manila]]
*[[Mega Manila]]

{{Portal bar|Geography|Asia|Philippines}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links| wikt=no | commons=Category:Metro Manila | b=no | n=no | q=no | s=no | v=no | voy=Metro Manila | species=no | d=q13580 }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20190616191852/http://www.mmda.gov.ph/ Metro Manila Development Authority] – Official website
*{{osmrelation-inline|147488}}

{{Geographic location
 | Centre    = Metro Manila
 | North     = [[Bulacan province]]
 | East      = [[Rizal province]]
 | Southeast = [[Laguna (province)|Laguna province]] − ''[[Laguna de Bay]]''
 | South = ''[[Laguna de Bay]]''
 | Southwest = [[Cavite province]]
 | West      = ''[[Manila Bay]]''
}}
{{Metro Manila}}
{{Navboxes
|list  =
{{navboxes|title=Government and Geography|list=
{{Metro Manila populated places}}
{{Manila}}
{{Quezon City}}
{{Valenzuela, Metro Manila}}
}}
{{navboxes|title=Culture and History|list=
{{Manila landmarks}}
{{Metro Manila Sports}}
}}
{{navboxes|title=Other topics|list=
{{Metropolitan areas of the Philippines}}
{{Philippine regions}}
{{Philippines administrative divisions}}
{{World's most populous urban areas}}
}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Metro Manila| ]]
[[Category:1975 establishments in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Capital districts and territories|Philippines]]
[[Category:Capitals in Asia|Philippines, Metro Manila]]
[[Category:Luzon]]
[[Category:Metropolitan areas of the Philippines|Manila]]
[[Category:Regions of the Philippines]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1975]]
[[Category:Establishments by Philippine presidential decree]]