List of metropolitan areas in the Philippines
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Philippines has three metropolitan areas officially recognized by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) due to their prominence, population, size, and economy: Manila, Cebu, and Davao.[1][2] The most populous is Metro Manila, which comprises the City of Manila, 15 neighboring cities, and a municipality. The largest by land area is Metro Davao in Mindanao.
Previously, NEDA recognized ten other metropolitan areas: Metro Angeles, Metro Bacolod, Metro Baguio, Metro Batangas, Metro Cagayan de Oro, Metro Dagupan, Metro Iloilo–Guimaras, Metro Naga, and Metro Olongapo. However, these ten were not included as official metropolises in the 2017–2022 Philippine Development Plan created by NEDA.[3] By 2025, the population of Metro Cagayan de Oro is expected to reach a level that would allow it to be reclassified as a metropolitan area.[4]
The official definition of each metropolitan area, as listed below, does not necessarily follow the actual extent of continuous urbanization. For example, the built-up area of Metro Manila has long spilled out of its borders into the adjacent provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.[5]