Increasingly rapid urbanization of the Philippines poses a great challenge to the country in terms of achieving sustainable urban development through informed planning and efficient implementation of strategic policies and programmes. This growth is expected to happen not only in the capital Metro Manila but mainly in small and intermediate cities.

Without a strategic approach to increasingly complex urban issues, cities will fail to create economic opportunities and protect themselves from environmental risks. UN-Habitat's Achieving Sustainable Urban Development (ASUD) programme seeks to address urban development issues affecting today's cities.