Regional Division

The National Census and Statistics Office has divided the Philippines into thirteen geographical regions, including the National Capital Region. (This might change if the projected autonomous Cordillera area and that in Mindanao will be approved.) The criteria used in this division were
1. geographical balance, 2. socioeconomic conditions, 3.political administration, and 4. transportation patterns.

Studies leading to this new regionalization began in November 1970 as a result of the desire for a national physical framework on which to base long-range infrastructure development programs. The study sought to integrate and coordinate resources, investments, and construction to improve the national and regional geography of settlement, industries, general human activities, and infrastructure (roads, bridges, airfields, and ports.)