Explore the complete administrative structure of the National Capital Region (NCR) for 2026, including Metro Manila’s 16 cities, 1 municipality, districts, barangays, and governance divisions. A comprehensive guide to Region XVI of the Philippines.

Map by azada.com.ph

NCR Overview (Region XVI)

NCR is composed of:

• 16 Highly Urbanized Cities
• 1 Municipality (Pateros)
• 4 Administrative Districts
• 1,700+ Barangays
• Major national institutions and government offices
• Primary international gateways (NAIA, Manila Port)

NCR is divided into four administrative districts, each grouping cities based on geographic proximity and governance coordination.

Administrative Districts of NCR

NCR is organized into four districts, each containing multiple cities.

District I (Northwest Manila)

• Manila City
• Navotas City
• Caloocan City (South)
• Malabon City

Key Features

• Historic core of the Philippines
• Major government institutions
• Port of Manila
• Cultural landmarks (Intramuros, Rizal Park)

District II (Northeast Manila)

• Marikina City
• Caloocan City (North)
• San Juan City

Key Features

• Largest city in NCR by land area and population
• Government agencies (Batasang Pambansa, QC Hall)
• Education and research centers
• Major residential districts

District III (South Manila)

• Pasay City
• Makati City
• Taguig City
• Pateros (Municipality)

Key Features

• Financial center of the Philippines (Makati CBD, BGC)
• NAIA airport complex
• Luxury hotels, convention centers, embassies

District IV (East Manila)

• Pasig City
• Mandaluyong City
• Muntinlupa City
• Las Piñas City
• Parañaque City

Key Features

• Ortigas Center
• Major commercial corridors
• Southern transport gateways
• Rapid urban expansion zones

Complete List of NCR Cities & Municipality

NCR consists of 16 cities and 1 municipality, each with its own local government unit (LGU).

Highly Urbanized Cities (16)

• Manila
• Caloocan
• Las Piñas
• Makati
• Malabon
• Mandaluyong
• Marikina
• Muntinlupa
• Navotas
• Parañaque
• Pasay
• Pasig
• San Juan
• Taguig
• Valenzuela

Quezon City (Standalone Administrative Unit)

Quezon City is the largest city in the Philippines by population and land area and functions as a central administrative hub within NCR. It is not grouped under any of the four NCR districts due to its size, governance structure, and national-level institutions.

Key Features of Quezon City

• Government Center of the Philippines
  • Houses the Batasang Pambansa Complex (House of Representatives)
  • Major national agencies (DENR, DOST, NTC, HLURB, etc.)
• Education & Research Capital
  • University of the Philippines Diliman
  • Ateneo de Manila University
  • Philippine Science High School
  • Numerous national research institutes
• Major Residential & Commercial Districts
  • Eastwood City
  • Araneta City (Cubao)
  • Commonwealth
  • Fairview
  • Timog–Tomas Morato entertainment district
• Healthcare & Medical Institutions
  • Philippine Heart Center
  • Lung Center of the Philippines
  • National Kidney & Transplant Institute
• Transportation & Infrastructure Hub
  • MRT‑3, LRT‑2, upcoming Metro Manila Subway
  • Major road networks (EDSA, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue)
• Cultural & Heritage Sites
  • Quezon Memorial Circle
  • Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife
  • QCX Interactive Museum

Internal Links:

• Quezon City Page
• NCR Cities & Towns

Municipality (1)

• Pateros

Barangays of NCR

NCR contains 1,700+ barangays, with the largest concentrations in:

• Quezon City
• Manila
• Caloocan

Barangays serve as the smallest administrative units, responsible for local governance, community services, and grassroots programs.

Governance & Administrative Structure

NCR is governed by:

• Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
• Local Government Units (LGUs)
• Barangay Councils
• National Government Agencies

NCR’s governance is unique because it operates as a metropolitan region, coordinating across multiple cities for transportation, disaster response, infrastructure, and urban planning.

Internal Links

• Regions of the Philippines
• Luzon Island Group (Admin)
• NCR Cities & Towns
• Individual City Pages
  • Manila
  • Quezon City
  • Caloocan
  • Las Piñas
  • Makati
  • Malabon
  • Mandaluyong
  • Marikina
  • Muntinlupa
  • Navotas
  • Parañaque
  • Pasay
  • Pasig
  • San Juan
  • Taguig
  • Valenzuela
  • Quezon City
  • Makati City
  • Taguig City
• Individual Municipality Page
  • Pateros

Summary & Key Takeaways

• NCR is Region XVI, a standalone administrative region.
• It is not part of Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao.
• It contains 16 cities and 1 municipality.
• It is divided into four administrative districts.
• It is the political, economic, and cultural center of the Philippines.
• This page serves as your master NCR administrative hub.