The anticipated partial opening of large-scale integrated resort and casino (IRA) projects in Bulacan Airport City, led by groups like the Okada Group, is set to reshape the Philippines’ entertainment and tourism landscape in 2025. Positioned within the 2,500-hectare New Manila International Airport (NMIA) development by San Miguel Corporation (SMC), these projects aim to rival Pasay’s established Entertainment City. This article explores the competitive dynamics, economic benefits, and social challenges, including traffic and security concerns, as Bulacan’s IRA projects take shape.

Bulacan Airport City’s IRA Developments and Competition with Entertainment City

Bulacan Airport City, part of a 12,000-hectare aerotropolis, is designed as a sustainable urban hub with residential, commercial, and tourism zones, anchored by the NMIA. The Okada Group, known for its success with Okada Manila in Entertainment City, is reportedly planning a major IRA within this development, with partial operations potentially starting in 2025 alongside ongoing airport construction. These resorts aim to attract international tourists and high rollers, leveraging NMIA’s projected capacity of 35 million passengers annually by 2028.

Pasay’s Entertainment City, home to Okada Manila, Solaire Resort, and City of Dreams, remains a dominant player, generating PHP 208.96 billion in tourism revenue in 2022. Its proximity to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and established infrastructure gives it an edge. However, Bulacan’s IRAs could draw visitors with modern facilities, green designs, and seamless airport integration, potentially diverting tourist traffic from Pasay. Analysts suggest Bulacan’s novelty and connectivity via planned MRT-7 extensions could challenge Entertainment City’s market share, though Pasay’s established brand loyalty and urban accessibility may retain its lead in the short term.

Economic and Employment Impacts

The Bulacan Airport City IRA projects are projected to create over one million direct and indirect jobs, mirroring the economic boost from Entertainment City’s 5.23 million tourism-related jobs in 2022. Local businesses, including hospitality, retail, and logistics, stand to benefit from increased visitor inflows, with Clark and Subic’s tourism surge during the 2019 SEA Games (2.4 million arrivals) as a precedent. The NMIA’s infrastructure, including expressways and railways, will further stimulate Bulacan’s economy, fostering growth in real estate and small enterprises.

However, Entertainment City’s mature ecosystem continues to drive significant employment, with integrated resorts employing thousands in gaming, hospitality, and entertainment. Bulacan’s newer projects may initially lag in job creation due to phased openings but could surpass Pasay in the long term as the aerotropolis matures.

Social Challenges: Traffic and Security Concerns

The development of Bulacan Airport City raises concerns about traffic congestion and security. The influx of visitors and workers could strain Bulacan’s road networks, despite planned infrastructure like the North Luzon Expressway (NALEX) and MRT-7. Metro Manila’s chronic traffic issues, evident around NAIA, suggest similar risks for Bulacan, particularly during peak construction and event periods.

Security is another pressing issue. Entertainment City has faced challenges with crime linked to high-stakes gaming, including scams and illegal activities, as seen in recent POGO crackdowns in Pasay. Bulacan’s IRAs, with large casino components, may attract similar risks, necessitating robust policing and community engagement. Environmental groups also highlight potential ecological impacts, citing the NMIA’s reclamation of 2,500 hectares of Manila Bay, which could exacerbate flooding and disrupt local livelihoods, adding to social tensions.

Long-Term Outlook for Investors

In 2025, Bulacan Airport City’s IRAs will compete with Pasay’s Entertainment City by offering modern, airport-adjacent resorts, appealing to a growing international tourist base. While economic benefits like job creation and tourism revenue are significant, challenges such as traffic congestion and security risks require careful management. Investors should weigh Bulacan’s long-term growth potential against Entertainment City’s established dominance, monitoring infrastructure progress and regulatory developments to capitalize on this evolving market.