Residents’ perception of the airport development in Bulakan, Bulacan

A country's capital's airport is critical to the country's growth and development. It serves as a gateway for a country's tourism and investment growth. It is a tourist's initial sight of the country and a local's previous view before transferring to another. An airport's ability to efficiently serve its mission is critical. Due to inefficiency and congestion, locals and tourists have expressed displeasure with Manila's airport, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Because the airport has not significantly improved over the years, an ever-increasing number of travelers exacerbate the problem. The San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has submitted an unsolicited proposal in response to these concerns. SMC proposed constructing an Aerotropolis, an airport complex that would also include public and private offices, residences, shipping and storing facilities, and other business establishments, in the municipality of Bulakan. Given its proximity to Metro Manila and other parts of the country, the projected Aerotropolis known as New Manila International Airport appears to be the ideal option.

The study assessed the residents' perception of older residents with the younger ones and the employed and unemployed residents for the airport development in the Municipality of Bulakan. Also, to know the percentage of those in favor and those who are not based on their age and employment. And to what extent the tourism impacts influence the residents' perception. Survey questionnaires were made in Google Form and distributed to the residents through social media platforms - Facebook and Messenger. The data gathered was organized using MS Excel and summarized using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). This research revealed negative environmental and socio-cultural consequences on the residents and the area. And for economic impact, airport development impacts the economy when it comes to employment and business opportunities, revenue to the local government, and the increasing investment, development, and infrastructure. However, it will also affect some of the households as well as their primary source of income, such as fishing and farming.