Officially called the City of Manila (or Manila), Manila is the capital of the Philippines and the second-most populous city. It is highly urbanized and was the most densely populated place in the world as of 2019. It was designated the Philippines’ first chartered city by the Philippine Commission Act 183 of July 31, 1901.

On June 18, 1949, Republic Act No. 409, also known as “The Revised Charter of the City of Manila,” was passed. Madrid, Mexico City, and Manila are the original global cities. Manila’s first commercial network was the one to cross the Pacific Ocean, connecting Asia and the Spanish Americas. This was the first time a continuous chain of trade routes around the globe had been established in world history. Manila is the second most natural-disaster-afflicted capital city in the world after Tokyo. It is, nevertheless, one of the fastest-growing and most populous cities in Southeast Asia.

Quezon City is the largest city in the Philippines. It has a population estimate of 2,960,048, according to the 2020 census. It was established on October 12, 1939, and named after Manuel L. Quezon (second president of the Philippines).

It was to become the new national capital of the Philippines, replacing Manila. Manila was struggling with overcrowding and poor sanitation. Quezon City was created by several barrios formed from Caloocan, Marikina, and San Juan. These bars also included eight large estates purchased by the Philippine government for this purpose. On October 12, 1949, it was declared the nation’s capital. Many government departments and institutions were forced to move out of Manila and settle in the new capital.

Makati is a highly urbanized 1st-class city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines.

Makati, the Philippines’ financial hub, is home to the largest concentration of local and multinational corporations. Makati is home to central banks, corporations, department shops, and foreign embassies. Before the stock exchange moved to Taguig, the largest trading floor of the Philippine Stock Exchange was located along Ayala Avenue. Makati is also a significant cultural, entertainment, and business hub in Metro Manila.

Baguio is a highly urbanized 1st-class city in the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines. Because it is at 4,810 feet (1,470 meters) above sea level, it is often called the “Summer Capital of the Philippines.”

Davao City (officially the City of Davao or Lungsod ng Dabaw) is a highly urbanized 1st-class city in the Davao Region of the Philippines. It covers 2,443.61 square km (943.48 square miles) and is the largest city in the Philippines. It is third in population in the Philippines, after Quezon City City and Manila. Mindanao is its most populous province. The city’s total population is 1,776,949 as of 2020.