The level of urbanization in major cities and urban centers of most developing countries like the Philippines has been accelerating at an unprecedented pace. As economic activities accumulate in these development nodes, the population is also continuously being attracted to concentrate in the same areas as manifested by the increasing rate of in-migration. The spill-over effects of rapid urbanization in Metro Manila is already being observed in its surrounding localities as evidenced by the emerging formation of urban agglomeration and conurbations in order to satisfy the need of the growing population for basic services and improved quality of life. Hence, the role of cities and municipalities outside Metro Manila as venues and drivers of inclusive growth and therefore of poverty reduction is increasing.
Among the most notable developments is observed within the Province of Cavite, which is primarily attributed to its close proximity to the metropolis. The province showed the fastest rate of population growth and was found to grow double the rate of how the national population grows. Considering the impact of rapid urbanization, the local government should ensure the proper urban planning and management takes place. Therefore, a better understanding of the existing condition of settlements should be determined and assessed in order to prevent unguided direction of development.
This study dealt with developing a settlement hierarchy within the province to assess and determine the settlements which support sustainable economic growth and efficient urban mobility. The settlements were analyzed based on their size, distribution, and functional complexity. The analysis focused on determining the extent and pattern of centrality within the settlements in the province and the relative concentration and ubiquity of central functions with consideration to its connectivity and spatial linkages.