Development in an environmentally critical coastal area: The risk perception on natural hazards and the New Manila International Airport by fishing communities in Taliptip, Philippines

Abstract

The planned New Manila International Airport (NMIA) project along Manila Bay aims to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the primary gateway to Manila and the Philippines. It caused the displacement of Taliptip communities and could lead to environmental degradation of the bay, thus many stakeholders expressed resistance. Project developers cite that residents need to be relocated due to the risks from coastal natural hazards. This paper aims to determine the community perception and their relevant actions on two potential risks – natural hazards and the NMIA project using the Protective Action Decision Model (PADM) and draw insights from the case study.Manila Bay is constantly affected by tides, infrequently by strong earthquakes, and seasonally by fluvial floods and storm surges. The intensity of hydrometeorological hazards has been increasing during the past decades due to climate change. Community resilience to natural hazards grew from past experiences, effective community-based early warning systems, and a culture of rebuilding. Residents view the risk posed by the NMIA project with greater concern than natural hazards as it is perceived to threaten their way of life. They chose to remain because of their livelihood, ease of living, rootedness, and residential immobility, but there is a sense of resignation stemming from a lack of land ownership and poverty. The risk perception of the communities was not determined at any stage of the NMIA development, which may explain the continued opposition even after the residents’ displacement and the advanced state of project construction.The NMIA's EIA is fraught with issues on lack of transparency, social acceptance embodied within Philippine environmental laws, and possible policy loopholes. This highlights the need to provide balance between development and community preservation by employing best practices in infrastructure development where the welfare of communities and the environment is of utmost importance. Spaces for relocation with access to basic services, livelihood, and education opportunities need to be provided to protect these communities.