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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider SMC backs out of Boracay bridge project

SMC backs out of Boracay bridge project

Published May 27, 2026 01:52 pm
SUNSET in Boracay Island. (Tara Yap)
SUNSET in Boracay Island. (Tara Yap)
ILOILO CITY – San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has backed out of the proposed 2.54-kilometer bridge project in world-famous Boracay Island.
“Hindi na itutuloy ang Boracay bridge (The Boracay bridge project would no longer proceed),” said Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique “Joen” Miraflores during a stakeholders’ meeting in Boracay Island on Wednesday, May 27.
Miraflores said SMC President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon Ang revealed the decision during a May 13 meeting in Pasig City.
“Ramon Ang listened. They were aware of the opposition. Because of the noise made in the media and social media,” Miraflores said.
Miraflores said SMC did not want to have a conflict with the community.
Boracay Island is part of Malay, a town in northwest Aklan province. Access to the country’s most famous beach designation has long been via a 15-minute boat ride from the mainland and vice versa.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) awarded the P7.78-billion bridge contract to San Miguel Holdings Corp., the infrastructure arm of SMC, last April.
Local officials and various sectors opposed the decision. They questioned the contract as no public consultations were made and no single endorsement was given by the municipal government or the provincial government.
Miraflores said the meeting was held after he and Aklan Rep. Florencio “Joeben” Miraflores met President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during a presidential visit in Roxas City, Capiz on April 27.
Gov. Miraflores said Marcos called Ang and a meeting was held on May 13.
Gov. Miraflores, Rep. Miraflores, Aklan first district Rep. Jesus “Jess” Marquez, and Aklan Provincial Board Member Reynado “Boy” Quimpo discussed specific concerns on the project with Ang, among them the environmental and socio-economic impact to locals and people the mainland.
Ang presented the advantages of the bridge that would link Boracay Island and mainland Malay.
“He told us he really wanted to help Philippine tourism,” Gov. Miraflores said.
The DPWH or SMC has yet to announce the actual status of the project.

Related Tags

Boracay Boracay bridge SMC Aklan Gov. Joen Miraflores
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