ILOILO CITY – The native Ati people have opposed the proposed bridge project at world-famous Boracay Island.
In a statement and a video, they joined other sectors in opposing the proposed construction of a bridge that would link the resort island into mainland Malay town of Aklan province.
THE native Ati people oppose a proposed bridge going to and from Boracay Island. (Ati Boracay FB)
They issued the statement after Secretary Manuel Bonoan of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently said that local leaders will decide to endorse the project or not.
Project proponent San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has yet to be endorsed by the provincial government of Aklan and the local government unit of Malay on its unsolicited proposal to build the bridge.
The Ati people reiterated that the bridge will have a negative impact on the life and livelihood of people and those who have migrated to the resort island to work.
“Ang kanilang bawat paglayag ay isang simbolo ng pagdudugtong ng aming kultura at buhay at hindi lamang basta pangkabuhayan. Ito'y naging buhay na rin nila at tulay sa pangarap ng kanilang pamilya (Their every voyage is a symbol of the connection between our culture and life and not just a livelihood. It has also become their life and a bridge to their family’s dreams),” the Ati people said.
They questioned the benefits of the progress that the bridge will supposedly bring.
“Pag-unlad bang masasabi kung may naiiwan na tulad namin at nasa laylayan? Kung hindi lahat ng boses ang napapakinggan? Kung hindi lahat ng buhay ang nabibigyan ng halaga? (Can it be called progress if there are those like us – who are left on the fringes? If not all voices are heard? If not all lives are valued?)” the Ati people said.
They urged local officials to reconsider their viewpoints as well as those of other stakeholders.
Aside from the socio-economic impact, people are worried that the bridge will have a negative impact on the already delicate natural environment of Boracay.