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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Boracay bridge project fails to get LGU support

Boracay bridge project fails to get LGU support

Published Jul 2, 2025 01:18 pm
THE Sun sets at world-famous Boracay Island. (Tara Yap)
THE Sun sets at world-famous Boracay Island. (Tara Yap)
ILOILO CITY – The proposed bridge for world-famous Boracay Island by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) failed to secure the endorsement of the local government unit (LGU) of Malay town in Aklan province.
The Malay Municipal Council recently removed SMC’s unsolicited proposal to construct the bridge from its Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and Annual Investment Plan (AIP) due to the locals’ growing opposition.
The council echoed “concerns raised by local residents, business owners, and environmental advocates on over-tourism, increased pressure on infrastructure, and potential displacement of communities with their livelihoods” if the proposed bridge will link Boracay to mainland Malay.
It also “poses significant environmental risks, including potential damage to marine habitats, increased coastal erosion, and disruption of the island’s fragile ecosystem.”
The council also noted the lack of a genuine public consultation as well no sufficient study on the socio-economic impacts.
Last month, Secretary Manuel Bonoan of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said they are awaiting the endorsement of the LGU because the project was an unsolicited proposal.
The proposed bridge was listed last year for funding under the DPWH public-private partnership (PPP) program.
Early this year, the DPWH posted an invitation for comparative proposals for the proposed ridge project in accordance with Republic Act No. 11966 or the PPP Code.
The PPP Center of the Philippines said the proposed project aims to provide an all-weather, safe, and efficient access to and from Boracay Island while supporting the steady growth of Boracay.
Tourists, workers and residents still travel to and from the resort island via a short boat ride.
Various stakeholders raised alarm that SMC is set to monopolize the aspect of transportation infrastructure.
The Caticlan Airport (Boracay Airport) in mainland Malay is operated by TransAire Development Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of SMC.

Related Tags

Boracay Bridge SMC Boracay Island
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