‎ILOILO CITY — Municipal mayors in Aklan province have urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to reconsider the Boracay bridge project that it awarded to  San Miguel Corp.

‎“We respectfully request DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon to reconsider the project and ensure that all environmental, social, and economic concerns are fully addressed before any further action is taken,” said the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Aklan.

‎In Resolution 03, Series of 2026, all 17 mayors of the province were united in opposing the proposed 2.54-kilometer bridge that would link world-famous Boracay Island and mainland Malay town.

‎LMP-Aklan noted the bridge raises many concerns that would defeat the purpose of the 2018 massive rehabilitation where the Duterte administration closed  Boracay Island to tourists for six months to reduce  environmental degradation due to overdevelopment.

‎“There’s the need to control development, enforce environmental laws, and respect the island's carrying capacity,” LMP-Aklan emphasized.

‎The mayors are alarmed that the bridge  may increase the number of tourist arrivals beyond what Boracay can sustainably support.

‎They also fear that the bridge would take away the livelihood of people who depend  in the boat industry -- boatmen, crew members, small operators, and their family.

‎“While infrastructure development is important, it should not come at the expense of the environment and the livelihood of local communities,” added LMP-Aklan.

‎

‎

‎

‎