What makes a city livable? Insights from Greater Metro Manila residents

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