Two senators on Thursday noted that the construction of the proposed Bulacan International Airport, with an expected capacity of 100 million passengers per year, will be an “economic game changer” as it will bring in more investments.
The new airport, with a budget of P735.6 billion for its development, is about three times larger than the current Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Senators Christopher “Bong” Go and Richard Gordon said the new airport will generate employment and provide a boost to the country’s economy.
“It will bring in jobs and economic opportunities outside Metro Manila and will provide livelihood to Filipinos especially those left jobless due to the pandemic,” said Go.
“As pointed out by our fellow Senators (Joel) Villanueva and (Win) Gatchalian, who know very well of the desires of the people of Bulacan and its neighboring provinces, this will go a long way towards providing jobs and other economic opportunities outside of Manila,” Go added.
The construction will be a prime example in promoting the distribution of economic opportunities outside of the metropolis, he said.
During a public hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Public Services Wednesday, Go likewise said the new airport will significantly decongest traffic in the National Capital Region.
However, he reminded its proponents to ensure compliance with labor, environmental and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
“As long as they observe the additional rules and regulations when it comes to the environment, labor laws, and the other laws, we fully support the establishment of this airport,” said Go.
“I just want to very briefly state that I fully support the move to open a new airport in Bulacan, thanks to the efforts of San Miguel Corporation,” he added.
Earlier, Go said Bulacan and the rest of Central Luzon will benefit from various development projects, particularly under the Duterte Administration’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.
The privately funded airport project will include a passenger terminal building with airside and landside facilities, and an 8.4-km tollway to serve as airport access connecting to North Luzon Expressway in Marilao, Bulacan.
Presently, the national government is undertaking a project for the extension of the Philippine National Railway service from Tutuban in Manila, traversing Malolos, Bulacan, and up to Pampanga.
There is also the Arterial Road Bypass Project-Phase 2, inaugurated in 2018, meant to link NLEX in Balagtas, Bulacan with the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway, also called Maharlika Highway, in San Rafael, Bulacan.
Gordon said the new airport will create a bigger economic footprint for the Philippines, as it will bring in more investment opportunities for the country.
He braced for a lot of entrepreneurship to happen, not to mention the duty-free shops and restaurants that will be established,” he said.
Moreover, Gordon said the construction of the airport will not only make traveling easier but could become a significant alternate airport for travelers.
