VOICES OF THE CAPITAL: RENAMING OF THE NINOY AQUINO

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (NAIA) TO MANILA INTERNATIONAL

AIRPORT (MIA) AND ITS SOCIAL IDENTITY STAGES

A Research Proposal Presented to

the Faculty of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

In partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree of
Bachelor of Science in Tourism
Management

By
Alonzo, Karl Vincent
Belen, Nathaniel
Bocobo, Alemar
Escobar, Althea Shane
Perez, Krisha
Margarette

2023
 CHAPTER 1

PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION
Airports play an important part in the local and international community as
they serve as the main gateway where air travel journeys begin and end. According to
DFI (2022), an airport is a megastructure that serves as a foundation portal to the
region it belongs to. It is the first touch point for travelers and the primary facilitator
for physical connectivity and access. In the Philippines, the primary and busiest
airport is the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which is located in the
proximity of Pasay and Paranaque, serving Manila — the capital of the Philippines,
and its surrounding metropolitan area. NAIA is a pivotal entryway to the
archipelago's natural beauty, cultural history, and a well-known hospitable people It
also serves as a bustling hub linking the country to the rest of the globe. Before it was
locally known as NAIA, Manila International Airport (MIA) was its first name
managed by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA). In the year 1948,
MIA was handled by the Philippine government. As time went by, it was improved
and built with different infrastructure. Finally, in 1961, the advancement system
became officially known as MIA. In the present day, NAIA is named after the
prominent senator and national hero of the Philippines, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr.,
through Republic Act No. 6639, enacted without executive approval (Del Mundo,
2023). He was assassinated at the airport on August 21, 1983, four years after the
renaming issue.

Years after the renaming issue about the MIA to NAIA, people tend to have
different points of view about it. As the study focuses on the perception of the capital,
with the Social Identity Stage proposed by H, Tajfel & J, Turner plays a vital role in
identifying the respondents' perceptions into its stages: Social Categorization, Social
Identification, and Social Comparison. This theory will make the study more linear by
processing the information by explaining the cognitive process and social condition
that will focus on the intergroup opinions.
 This study will contribute valuable insights into the decision-making process
and help ensure that the renaming, if pursued, aligns with the sentiments and interests
of the local population.

1.1. Background of the Study

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), formerly named Manila

International Airport (MIA), is the primary gateway for travelers to the Philippines. It
is the only airport located in the National Capital Region (NCR), thus serving both the
demands of domestic and international flights in the Manila area (Patrick, 2020). The
Philippines' main gate case is one of the several cases globally. According to Benet
Wilson (2021), airports are named after people who contribute significantly to the
country. As time passed, the airport's name changed, which is the same case as John
F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). On December 24, 1963, the Idlewild Airport
was renamed John F. Kennedy International Airport. It was similar to the case of MIA
and NAIA in that both were in an assassination situation that changed the airport's
name into those two prominent people. (Ted Reed, 2013).

Recently, there has been an issue with renaming the Philippine airport (NAIA)
back to its original name (MIA). According to Manila Bulletin (April 2022), a House
bill (HB) was filed on July 7, 2022, by Duterte Youth Party-list Representative Drixie
Cardema, stating that the country's international gateway to the world should not be
politicized and must be known as the Manila International Airport as a sense of pride
for the country's capital and for foreigners to locate the main gateway when traveling
to the Philippines quickly and across the world. It has been filed to the Senate many
times, but it was neglected due to the bill not being subjected to the first reading,
which resulted in premature feedback to the lawmakers (Romeo, A., 2020). The
objective of the study is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the perceptions of
the residents of the National Capital Region (NCR) and foreign tourists concerning
the potential renaming of NAIA back to its original name as MIA.
 This study seeks to explore, understand, and document the views of opinions
on this significant and potentially impactful topic. This study will be delivered in a
quantitative and qualitative approach to provide a holistic understanding of NCR
residents' and foreign visitors' opinions and sentiments. The data collection and
analysis of the study in Voices of the Capital: Perception on the Renaming of Ninoy
Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Manila International Airport (MIA) and its
Social Identity Stage using random sampling to ensure the selection of a
representative sample of NCR residents and foreign visitors. This study will
contribute valuable insights into the decision-making process and help ensure that the
renaming, if pursued, aligns with the sentiments and interests of the local population.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

This study aims to assess the discernment of NCR residents concerning the
renaming of NAIA back to MIA and its Social Identity Stages. Specifically, it
attempts to answer the following questions:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of the following:

1.1. Age

1.2. Sex

1.3. Occupation

1.4. Educational Background

1.5. Location
2. Is there any significant relationship between the assessment of respondents to the
Social Categorization Stage on the Renaming of NAIA TO MIA?

3. Is there any significant relationship between the assessment of respondents to the

Social Identification Stage on the Renaming of NAIA TO MIA?

4. Is there any significant relationship on the assessment of respondents to the Social

Comparison Stage on the Renaming of NAIA TO MIA?

5. Is there any significant relationship on the assessment of the respondents to the

renaming of NAIA back to MIA when grouped according to the profile of the
respondents?

6. What effects will this renaming process have on the country's identity?
1.3. Hypotheses

Ho1: There is no significant relationship between the assessment of

respondents to the Social Categorization Stage on the Renaming of NAIA TO MIA.

Ho2: There is no significant relationship between the assessment of

respondents to the Social Identification Stage on the Renaming of NAIA TO MIA.

Ho3: There is no significant relationship on the assessment of respondents to

the Social Comparison Stage on the Renaming of NAIA TO MIA.

1.4. Theoretical Framework

In 1979, Henri Tajfel and John Turner introduced the Social Identity Theory,
which stated that three cognitive processes are pertinent to an individual's affiliation
with either an in-group or an out-group. The association of individuals with certain
groups may, under some conditions, be linked to the manifestation of bias and
discrimination towards individuals based on their perceived group membership.
(Tajfel, Turner. 1970)
 Social Identity Theory has three stages: Social Categorization, Social
Identification, and Social Comparison. The first stage is Social Categorization, the
process of determining the group affiliation of oneself or others. The second stage is
Social Identification, the process through which you or "another person or persons"
overtly identify with an in-group. The norms and attitudes of other group members
are viewed as compatible with one's own or worthy of emulation, or as consistent
with those of "another person or persons" or as open to emulation by "another person
or persons.". The last stage is Social Comparison; the self-concept or social concept
of "another person or persons" becomes entangled with perceptions of group
membership. Self-esteem or the estimation of "another person or persons" is enhanced
or diminished by perceptions of how in-groups and out-groups are perceived to
conduct, perform, or rank in society.

The researchers believed that Social Identity theory is relevant to the study
since the Social Categorization included those who would agree or disagree with
changing the name of the NAIA to MIA. To identify the major justification for
people's agreement or disagreement with the renaming of NAIA to MIA is through
Social Identification. The Social Comparison will compare the respondents'
perspectives without similarities. Then, the social group that a person personally
identifies is known as the in-group. It frequently fosters a sense of recognition of
perception, the out-group then describes social groups that people do not personally
identify with and may view as distinct, which can result in stereotypes and prejudices.
The researchers indicate that the in-group people are those who will agree or disagree
with the renaming of NAIA to MIA, while the out-group people are those who are
unsure if they want to revert the name of NAIA to MIA. This identifies the in-group
and out-group as relevant to our study. The approach is often used to comprehend
responses to stigmatized identities, group behavior, and political disputes.
 Figure 1: Social Identity Theory (Tajfel, Turner, 1970)

1.1. Conceptual Framework

According to the study of Tajfel & Turner (1979), in terms of Social Identity
Stages, the answers will be analyzed depending on respondents' perceptions. It is
suggested that the treatment be done to identify the different points of view of the
number of selected interviewees. The process will be gathering data based on
perception through Social Categorization that distinguishes and categorizes the
respondents' profile objective. To identify the potential answer, the Social
Identification process will pick out the respondents' answers depending on their
perception about the Renaming of MIA to NAIA, and to evaluate the data gathered,
through Social Comparison, the respondents' answers will be pinout and recognized.
The Social identity Stage process will be done through the research instrument by
conducting Interviews, Survey Questions, and Data Gathering.
 Figure 2: Conceptual Framework of the Study

1.2. Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study focuses on a detailed examination and diverse perspectives held by

Local Residents of NCR, NAIA’s Employees, Lawmakers, and Foreign Tourists about
the proposed renaming of NAIA back to its previous name, MIA.

The intended purpose of this study is to examine, comprehend, and document the
opinions and emotions of people in seventeen (17) municipalities in the NCR. These
municipalities are Metro Manila, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig, Quezon City, San
Juan, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Las Piñas, Makati, Muntinlupa,
Parañaque, Pasay, Pateros, and lastly Taguig.

According to the Philippine Statistic Authority (2020), Metro Manila has a

total population of 1,846,513 people, Mandaluyong with a total population of
425,758, Marikina with a total population of 456,059 people, Pasig with a total
population of 803,159, Quezon City with a total population of 2,960,048, San Juan
with a total population of 126,347, Caloocan with a total population of 1,661,584,
Malabon with a total population of 380,522 people, Navotas with a total population
of 247,543, Valenzuela with a total population of 714,987, Las Piñas with a total
population of 606,293 people, Makati with a total population of 629,616,
Muntinlupa with a total population of 425,758, Parañaque with a total population of
689,992, Pasay with a total population of 440,656, while the municipality of Pateros
has a total population of 65,227 people, and lastly Taguig with a total population of
886,722.
N.C.R (Capital Manila District) 1st District Total Population
Manila City 1,846,513
N.C.R (Easter Manila District) 2nd District
Mandaluyong City 425,758
Marikina City 456,059
Pasig City 803,159
Quezon City City 2,960,048
San Juan City 126,347
N.C.R (CAMANAVA District) 3rd District
Caloocan City 1,661,584
Malabon City 380,522
Navotas City 247,543
Valenzuela City 714,987
N.C.R (Southern Manila District) 4th District
Las Piñas City 606,293
Makati City 629,616
Muntinlupa City 425,758
Parañaque City 689,992
Pasay City 440,656
Pateros Municipality 65,227
Taguig City 886,722
National Capital Region (NCR) Region 13, 484, 462
 These are significant along with possibly relevant issues. Researchers will also
examine and document foreign tourists' perspectives and opinions that stay within
NCR over the proposed renaming of NAIA to MIA.

This study is limited to the concerned participants who are residents of the
NCR, airport employees, lawmakers, and foreign tourists who stay within the NCR.
People. Outside the NCR are not included in the scope since they are beyond the
Airport organization's control, and this study was done in the controlled setting of
NAIA and the government, notably lawmakers in the country.

To identify the sample size, this study used Slovin’s formula that pinpoints the
sample size, population size, margin of error, and confidence level. The total sample
size of respondents from the 13,484,462 population from NCR was narrowed down to
400 respondents to be invited for interviews.

1.3. Significance of the Study

The result of this study is highly beneficial and significant to the following:
Tourism Industry of the Philippines. This study contains data that is
beneficial to the tourism industry of the Philippines as strategically it can
contribute and create a positive image that resonates with travelers, can draw
more tourists, and boost the local community. It aims to give clarity that is
also a vital way to promote tourism in the country.

Lawmakers. This study will provide essential factors and information on the
perspective of Filipino citizens, especially the National Capital Region
residents that will serve as future reference to the lawmakers of the
Philippines.

Philippine Identity and Global Recognition. Airports often serve as the first
point of contact as this study can create an impact and can profoundly
influence the Philippines perceived both internally and internationally. It also
reinforced national identity, recognition, and lasting tribute to the country’s
capital.
People of the Philippines especially NCR residents. As the study’s
respondents, participants learn about the study’s result, which can be valuable,
especially since the research study’s setting is within the proximity of NCR
specifically between Pasay and Paranaque. It also increased their knowledge
and understanding of the issue of renaming the NAIA back to its original
name, MIA.

Tourism Students. This study will be beneficial to tourism students who

focus on this area. As a result, students must be informed of current issues
outside of their educational environment. The study enables tourism students
to understand the potential barriers to the rising tourist operations both within
and outside of our country.

Foreign Tourists. This study has a vast significance to Foreign Tourists

because they also play the central focus of this study. The foreign tourists will
be given voices to speak for themselves as they give their perspectives and
opinions on the renaming of NAIA to MIA. It will give a better understanding
of the impact of the country's main gateway.

Tourism Management Program. This study will benefit the institution,

especially the tourism students of National University as this will serve as an
enlightenment on the current premature issue and also provide additional
knowledge about the country’s main gateway.

Researchers. This research is necessary because it helps us to shed light on

the premature senate bill on the possible renaming of the country's main
gateway, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport back to its original name as
Manila International Airport.

Future Researchers. This research’s data, principles, and concepts add to the
body of knowledge in the field building on existing knowledge that can be the
future's foundation, providing a starting point for their own related study.
1.1. Definition of Terms

Discernment - The ability to perceive, recognize, and understand things, often

with insight, and good judgment.

Executive Approval - The formal consent or endorsement given by the head

of the executive branch of a government, such as the president, governor, or
prime minister, to the proposed law, decision, appointment, or other
administrative actions.

Foreign Visitors - A foreign visitor refers to a traveler whose trip objective is

related to tourism, for personal, business, or leisure.

Geographical Dimensions - The spatial aspects and characteristics of a

specific area or location on the Earth’s surface.

Government - Refers to the system or group of people governing an

organized community, often a country or a state.

International Airport - an airport with customs and border control facilities

enabling passengers to travel between countries around the world.

Lawmaker - An individual or group responsible for creating, amending, or

repealing laws within a particular jurisdiction, such as a country, state, or
municipality.

NCR Residents - NCR residents refer to all those who live in the National
Capital Region (NCR) who will serve as our respondents in this research
study.

Political Impact - Represents the future developmental stages of societies and

organizations, as they make life viable in a communal, social, and democratic
framework, is referred to as the political impacts. This will also demonstrate
the argument between powerful individuals involved in a legal dispute.
 Social Categorization - Refers to the tendency of people to perceive
themselves and others in terms of particular social categories. It is as relatively
interchangeable group members instead of as separate and unique individuals.

Social Comparison - Refers to the notion that people generally do not

perceive social situations as detached observers. Instead, their own sense of
who they are and how they relate to others is typically implicated in how they
view other individuals and groups around them.

Social Identification - This is the process by which people determine the

relative value or social standing of a particular group and its members.

1.2. Acronym
The following describes the significance of various abbreviations and
acronyms used throughout Chapter 1.

DOTC - Department of Transportation and Communication

HB - House Bill

JFKIA - John F. Kennedy International Airport

MIA - Manila International Airport

MIAA - Manila International Airport Authority

NAIA - Ninoy Aquino International Airport

NCR - National Capital Region

PSA - Philippine Statistics Authority

SIS - Social Identity Stages

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