A capital city built on progress and pride

HOME TO MORE than 15 million people, Manila as the capital city of the Philippines remains one of the busiest, most crowded, and most active urban areas.

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According to the latest data of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Manila's economy grew by 2.2% in 2023. Gross domestic product (GDP) reached P987.88 billion, ranking as the third largest economy in the National Capital Region (NCR). The city also collected P16.9 billion in local revenues and received P4.26 billion in national tax allotments. These contributions brought Manila's total revenue to P22.2 billion, funding city services and infrastructure.

Accommodation and food service activities posted the highest growth among industries at 13.5%, driven by increased local travel, higher tourist arrivals, and a rise in domestic spending. Other services, which include personal care, repair shops, and small-scale recreation, followed with 8.7%. Human health and social work activities grew by 7.5%, supported by both public and private sector health investments. PSA data shows services continue to dominate the city's economic structure, accounting for more than 80% of its GDP.

In the latest Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) for 2024, Manila placed third in the Economic Dynamism category among Highly Urbanized Cities. The CMCI, developed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Competitiveness Bureau, evaluates cities based on indicators such as business registration, employment generation, financial deepening, and productivity.