MANILA, Philippines – As more Filipinos travel and experience better living conditions abroad, there’s an increasing demand for livable and people-centered cities back home.
But, what makes a city livable?
While frameworks like those from Oxford Economics and Economist Intelligence Unit offer definitions, these are not fully suited to reflect the specific realities and needs of developing countries, like the Philippines, Asian Institute of Management research manager Christopher Ed Caboverde said.
“What makes a city livable is highly subjective, specific to specific types of specific types of places, local communities and concerns and contexts,” Caboverde said.
Recognizing the need for a local context, AIM’s Rizalino S. Navarro Policy Center for Competitiveness conducted a study to explore what residents in Greater Metro Manila value most in a livable city.
Based on focus group discussions with residents across Metro Manila and neighboring provinces like Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, the study identified five things that make a city livable:
Safe and secure environments
Safety emerged as a critical concern. Residents want to feel safe while walking at night and engaging in family activities. Caboverde noted that a “significant level of worry and fear” around personal and family safety came up repeatedly in discussions.
Green, aesthetically pleasing spaces
Residents demand access to green, open spaces for relaxation, stress relief, and health.
However, rapid urban development has diminished these spaces — a problem highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when safe, outdoor spaces became even more essential.
Access to economic opportunities
Opportunities for employment and income generation are crucial to residents’ quality of life, helping individuals and families thrive. The study noted that “inequality not only manifests in poverty but also in unequal access to services and the high cost of living relative to wages.”
Reliable and convenient public transport
Traffic congestion is a major source of stress among the respondents. Respondents emphasized the need for a transportation system that provides efficient access to essential services and establishments.
Japan and South Korea’s transportation networks were frequently cited as models of “reliable and integrated” systems.
Clean urban environment
Residents of Greater Metro Manila see the importance of having green and beautiful cities that are clean and have reliable management systems.
In a summit on Tuesday, November 5, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) launched an initiative to craft a 10-year solid waste management plan. The MMDA spearheads the solid waste management committee for Metro Manila.
Beyond these qualities, the study revealed that Filipinos view livable cities as a shared responsibility.
“Urban residences saw cities as spaces for collective action and responsibility, and that they can shape urban outcomes. It denoted a sense of individual responsibility and duty to contribute to achieving collective outcomes such as cleanliness, law and order, among others,” Caboverde said.
The full study will be available in December 2024.
What makes a city liveable for you? Join the conversation in the liveable cities chatroom on the Rappler Communities app. – Rappler.com
Explore more stories on creating better urban spaces on our Make Manila Liveable page.