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Aklan formalizes objection vs Boracay bridge

Philippines | Visayas

Aklan formalizes objection vs Boracay bridge

By Tara Yap

THE Sun sets at world-famous Boracay Island. (Tara Yap)

THE Sun sets at world-famous Boracay Island. (Tara Yap)

ILOILO CITY — Amid growing opposition, the Aklan provincial government has formalized its objection to the proposal of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to build a bridge linking world-famous Boracay Island and mainland Malay town.

“The bridge will destroy the allure of Boracay as an island destination known for its white sand beaches and captivating marine environment,” said the Aklan Provincial Board in Resolution No. 193-2025.

The Aklan Provincial Board also echoed the previous objection of the administration of Gov. Jose Enrique “Joen” Miraflores, the Malay municipal government, and barangay officials in Boracay.

The four-page resolution reiterated the sentiments of the people of Aklan that there was no public consultation.

“While a proposed bridge infrastructure to a resort island offers several enticing benefits, including improved accessibility and overcrowding relief, it also poses significant challenges and risks,” it noted.

With the resolution, the unsolicited proposal of SMC once again failed to secure endorsement from the local government units (LGUs) and the provincial government needed to proceed with the project.

The proposed Boracay bridge was listed under the P4.6-billion fund for public-private partnerships (PPP) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget for fiscal year 2024.

The PPP Center separately listed last year on its website the unsolicited proposal from SMC’s infrastructure arm San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC).

This prompted the Malay Municipal Council to issue an October 2024 resolution stating it never received any proposal from SMHC.

Related Tags

Boracay Boracay bridge SMC

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