Further forward in development and sustainability within the city

THE CITY OF MANILA has been the Philippines' crown jewel for centuries, standing as the country's capital and one of Southeast Asia's centers for commerce, culture, and governance. Due to this historical significance, Filipinos from all over the archipelago flocked to its streets, hoping for better opportunities and a chance for a new life.

- — Jomarc Angelo M. Corpuz

Amidst this integration, Manila finds itself faced with rapid urbanization, climate change, and growing population pressures.

One of the most pressing issues is Manila's extreme population density. According to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the city is populated by over 1.8 million Manileños, all contained within an area of 42.88 square kilometers.

This statistic makes Manila one of the world's most densely populated cities with 42,857 people per square kilometer.

This extreme density has strained the city's infrastructure and basic services. Informal settlements have proliferated, especially along waterways and idle lands, leading to overcrowding and unsafe living conditions.

These areas often lack access to clean water, sanitation, and electricity, making residents more vulnerable to health risks and disasters.

In response, both the local and national governments have introduced housing and relocation initiatives to address the shelter crisis. Programs such as the National Housing Authority's in-city relocation projects and high-rise socialized housing aim to reduce the number of informal settlers without uprooting them from their livelihoods. Similarly, the city's local government units have also launched their “land for the landless” initiative, where a total of 195 heads of families were awarded certificates for their own lots through subdivided expropriated lots in different barangays.