DEVELOPMENT AT WHAT COST?
WHAT'S HAPPENING TO THE FISHERFOLK OF BULACAN?
HERE'S THE RUNDOWN
700 FAMILIES DISPLACED
The New Manila International Airport (NMIA) project has displaced approximately 700 families in Bulakan, Bulacan. However, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) officially recognized only 359 households as eligible for relocation or compensation.
P735 BILLION BUDGET
The NMIA is a P735 billion infrastructure project. It aims to decongest air traffic in Metro Manila and boost economic activity, but concerns have been raised about its social and environmental impacts.
90.8% of BULACAN FISHERIES
90.8% of Bulacan’s fisheries output comes from aquaculture, which is directly affected by the NMIA’s land reclamation efforts. This raises concerns not only for the livelihoods of fisherfolk but also for the region’s food supply.
1 OUT OF 25 MANILA BAY RECLAMATION PROJECTS
The NMIA is part of a larger plan involving 25 reclamation projects across Manila Bay. These projects have sparked debates about their long-term effects on coastal ecosystems and local communities.
1 MILLION TONNES OF CARBON EMISSIONS
According to SMC’s 2021 Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), the NMIA’s construction is expected to emit 1.5 million tonnes of CO₂. Once operational, aircraft landing and take-off cycles are projected to produce over 1 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.
80% OF INCOME CUT
Reports from affected fisherfolk indicate an 80% decrease in daily income — from earning around P1,000 per day before the project to P200–P300 per day after fishing restrictions were imposed.
LAMBAT NG HANGIN: THE DOCUMENTARY
The 4-part documentary series unveils the hidden realities behind the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) project in Bulacan.
NOW WHAT?
BE INVOLVED
Support the fight against displacement and environmental destruction. Donate to grassroots efforts and stand with Manila Bay’s defenders.
