The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has opened the bidding process for the Boracay Bridge Project following the approval of an unsolicited proposal from San Miguel Holdings Corporation.
Spanning 2.54 kilometers, the bridge will link Boracay Island to mainland Panay in Malay, Aklan and eventually improve the transportation access for residents, tourists, and businesses.
The project is expected to ease congestion and reduce environmental impact while enhancing mobility in the area, according to the DPWH.
It added that the development will also include access roads, transport hubs, commercial spaces, and parking facilities to support both public and cargo transport.
DPWH is calling for local and international firms to submit proposals for the financing, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the project under a 30-year concession period.
Bidders have 240 calendar days from Feb. 20 to submit comparative proposals under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code.
If a competing proponent offers better financial terms, San Miguel Holdings Corporation will have 30 days to match the offer under the “right-to-match” provision.
Interested firms may obtain bidding documents from the DPWH Pre-qualification, Bids and Awards Committee (PBAC) office in Manila for a non-refundable P500,000 fee.
The deadline for submission of proposals is on Oct. 18 at 4 p.m., with DPWH reserving the right to reject proposals, modify bidding conditions, or declare a failure of bidding if awarding the project is not in the government’s best interest.