Metro Manila is Southeast Asia's second largest metro area with a population of 28 million and is the capital of The Philippines. Eighty percent of Metro Manila's economy is generated by the services sector, followed by manufacturing. Some key industries include real estate, e-commerce, construction, tourism and BPO. The city has one of the highest population densities in the world.
The city has a strong young workforce, relatively low cost of labour and land, good educational institutions and a relatively low cost of living. These factors can be leveraged to attract business and skilled talent to the city. There are, however, significant Liveability challenges that need to be addressed in order to do so successfully. This includes public safety, work intensity and mobility.
Climate readiness, or a lack thereof, will threaten Manila's competitiveness in the coming years. Manila is one of the most vulnerable cities to sea level rise. Additionally, peripheral coastal cities are sinking due to declining water tables. Finally, the city experiences a severe urban heat island effect linked to unprecedented urbanization. Thoughtful planning and development is required to ensure the city can continue to grow and thrive economically while adapting to climate change and mitigating risks.
