Book Review: A Better Metro Manila? Towards Responsible Local Governance, Decentralization and Equitable Development

This book review examines the edited volume by Teresa S. Encarnacion Tadem and Maria Ela L. Atienza, which critically assesses the legacy of decentralization in Metro Manila. Despite its economic strength, the metropolis continues to face governance challenges such as fragmented authorities and unequal service delivery. Through 16 empirically grounded chapters, the book explores health, housing, education, water, and disaster management while engaging broader debates on fiscal federalism and urban governance. The volume offers significant insights for scholars and policymakers seeking equitable metropolitan development in Southeast Asia.