ILOILO CITY—A major business group has reiterated its stand against the proposed bridge project that would link world-famous Boracay Island to mainland Malay town in Aklan province.

PEOPLE disembark from a boat at an alternative port in Boracay Island.  Tourists and residents going to this popular resort island have to ride a boat from mainland Malay town and vice versa.  (Tara Yap)

“(The group) underscores the potential risks the project poses to Boracay’s fragile ecosystem, the lack of transparent stakeholder consultation, and the questionable track record of the proponent in delivering critical infrastructure improvements,” said the Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI).

The BFI  issued Resolution No. 006 and listed its key concerns against the unsolicited proposal of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to build a 1.2-kilometer bridge.

Currently, tourists and residents going in and out of Boracay Island have to travel via a 15-minute boat ride.

One of the key concerns of the BFI is the potential ecological impact.

“Boracay, renowned for its pristine beaches and delicate marine environment, could suffer irreversible damage from large-scale construction and increased human activity,” the BFI said in a statement released on Tuesday, March 11.

“Environmental groups and local stakeholders have expressed fears that the project could disrupt marine biodiversity, worsen coastal erosion, and compromise the island’s sustainability—jeopardizing the very foundation of its tourism-driven economy,” added BFI.

The BFI also noted that the project did not have consultation with Boracay businesses, residents, and tourism stakeholders. 

“With no clear assessment of how the bridge could impact visitor dynamics, employment, and the island’s carrying capacity, the BFI argues that such a major infrastructure project must undergo more comprehensive study and inclusive discussions before moving forward,” the BFI said.

The BFI pointed out the lack of substantial improvements at Caticlan Airport (Boracay Airport) in mainland Malay. The airport is operated by SMC subsidiary TransAire Development Holdings Corp.

“Despite its status as Boracay’s primary gateway, the airport has yet to see the necessary upgrades to support increasing tourist arrivals. This raises doubts about the ability of the proponent to effectively manage a project of this magnitude,” the BFI said.

Instead of the bridge, the BFI urged the upgrading of key facilities without compromising environmental integrity.

“The foundation urges policymakers to focus on responsible tourism strategies that align with long-term conservation efforts while supporting the local economy,” added BFI.