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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Aklan denounces DPWH over Boracay bridge project

Aklan denounces DPWH over Boracay bridge project

Published Apr 16, 2026 04:20 pm
THE famous White Beach in Boracay Island in Malay town, Aklan province. (Tara Yap)
THE famous White Beach in Boracay Island in Malay town, Aklan province. (Tara Yap)
ILOILO CITY – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) of Aklan has denounced the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for awarding a bridge project in Boracay Island to San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC) despite massive opposition.
The Aklan Provincial Board unanimously passed a resolution on Wednesday, April 15, following the April 13 public announcement that DPWH awarded the P7.78-billion project to SMHC under the DPWH public-private partnership (PPP) program.
“This is consistent with our earlier opposition to the bridge project,” said Provincial Board Member Reynaldo “Boy” Quimpo, author of the resolution.
A separate resolution, sponsored by Provincial Board Member Bob Augusto F. Legaspi, was also approved on April 15 urging the PPP Center of the Philippines to furnish pertinent documents on the proposal, bidding, and negotiations on the project.
There were also two resolutions prior to April 15 that opposed the 2.54-kilometer bridge that would link world-famous Boracay Island and mainland Malay town.
The resolutions approved on Oct. 8, 2025 and April 8, 2026, respectively, echoed objections of the Malay municipal government, barangay officials in Boracay, business groups, and various other stakeholders in the province.
The provincial legislators were unanimous that the DPWH move violated the Local Government Code as there was no endorsement from local government units (LGUs) and no public consultations were made.
The Aklan Provincial Board said it may worsen the environmental damage to the country’s most popular beach destination while negatively impacting livelihoods including the local boat industry.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said that SMHC is responsible for addressing the grievances and concerns of local stakeholders.

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Aklan Boracay Bridge SMC
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