Spatial structures of the Philippines: Urbanization and regional inequalities

Abstract

This chapter examines the fundamental spatial structures of the Philippines. It defines the role and organization of the different levels of the administrative hierarchy (provinces, regions, cities and municipalities) down to the barangay and sitio/purok levels. This leads to the definition of the “urban” in the Philippines and the rise of urbanization in recent decades, from the original urban settlements of the Spanish era, with their patterns following the same rules as in Latin America (fort, church and plaza), to today’s cities. Forms of housing have evolved over time, from the archetypal bamboo/nipa hut (bahay kubo) and the urban stone and wood house of the elites (bahay na bato), now in decline but patrimonialized, to today’s urban condominiums, suburban gated communities and slums. The last part of the chapter examine the profound spatial inequalities observed in the country, in terms of urbanization, wealth, economic structure, and it highlights the dominance of Metro Manila within the archipelago.