Metro Manila at Fifty: Poverty, Density, and Governance

Abstract

Metro Manila at Fifty highlights the contradictions between economic progress and persistent inequality. Despite having the lowest poverty incidence in the Philippines at only 1.1% of families in 2023, the urban poor continue to face overcrowding, precarious housing, and stigmatisation in times of crisis (Philippine Statistics Authority 2024, 12–13). This study examines the intersection of poverty, density, and governance through official statistics and qualitative accounts from disaster risk and political studies. Findings reveal that official poverty data often conceal lived vulnerabilities, particularly among informal settlers whose experiences are shaped by overcrowding and inadequate services (Villarama et al. 2021, 3–4). Political dynasties remain dominant in the governance structure, creating barriers to inclusive development and citizen participation (Balanquit et al. 2017, 120–125; Mendoza et al. 2022, 6–7). Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic further illustrates how high-density, impoverished areas suffered disproportionately due to weak social protection and moral labelling of communities as “pasaway” (Eadie et al. 2025, 8–9). These results underscore that poverty in Metro Manila is not solely an issue of economic deprivation but also of governance and spatial vulnerability. The study concludes that reforms in governance, improved measures of deprivation, and stronger citizen engagement are essential to achieve an inclusive and resilient future for the metropolis.