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Philippines Eyes Economic Growth Beyond Manila with New Airport
The construction of a new international airport in the Philippines is raising hopes for economic revitalization outside of Metro Manila, aiming to decentralize economic activity. However, challenges such as infrastructure development and flood mitigation remain significant, raising questions about its ultimate impact on local residents' livelihoods.
The Philippines is accelerating efforts to correct the overconcentration of economic activity in Metro Manila and revitalize regional economies. Central to this is the new international airport under construction in Bulacan province. This airport is expected not only to expand air travel demand but also to attract related industries such as logistics, hotels, offices, and transportation services, thereby creating new local employment. However, its realization faces numerous challenges. A salon employee interviewed, residing in Bulacan, spends approximately P1,200 (around $20 USD) daily on transportation to and from her workplace in the capital region, a significant burden. To alleviate this situation, policies that promote the relocation of businesses and jobs to regional areas, not just around the airport, are essential. Notably, Bulacan province is prone to flooding, and concerns have been raised regarding the airport's construction. Local media reports indicate criticism that the airport project exacerbates floods and questions the rationale behind such a large investment in a low-lying area. However, San Miguel Corporation, the airport developer, is investing with a long-term perspective, looking several generations ahead, and has incorporated measures against risks such as flooding, land subsidence, and rising sea levels from the initial stages. The success of the airport depends not only on the airport site itself but also on the development of surrounding infrastructure, including rivers, drainage systems, access roads, and transportation networks, and how well they can support the ongoing development. While the airport construction will not single-handedly solve Bulacan's flooding problems, halting development is not a solution either. The key is to design development in accordance with existing conditions and leverage major investments to support infrastructure development. For companies to expand outside Metro Manila, reliable infrastructure, efficient permitting processes, good transportation links, and a trainable workforce are crucial. For local residents, employment closer to home holds the potential to significantly improve their quality of life, even if the salary appears the same on paper. Source: Philstar Business
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Philstar Business