San Miguel Corp. clarified that its proposed ₱7.78 billion Boracay Bridge project has not been abandoned, saying the infrastructure giant will pursue further consultations to address mounting concerns from local stakeholders.

The conglomerate issued the statement following social media reports that it had backed out of the public-private partnership project, which was previously awarded by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

San Miguel attributed the speculation to differing interpretations of a May 13 meeting between Billionaire Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang and Aklan provincial officials, including Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores.

The discussions centered on resistance from transport associations, tricycle drivers, and port workers worried about livelihood displacement and outstanding loans for boat modernization. During the meeting, Ang acknowledged the opposition and noted that San Miguel would not force the project on host communities without their support, adding that the plan could be revisited once mitigation measures are established.

San Miguel, the country’s largest corporation by revenue, is attempting to balance its aggressive infrastructure expansion with the delicate politics of local environmental and economic interests. The company stated it is engaging with government units and cooperatives to study transition support and livelihood programs for affected workers.

The ₱7.78 billion bridge is envisioned as a controlled-access link between Caticlan and Boracay Island, aimed at improving the logistics of essential goods, waste management, utilities, and emergency services.

San Miguel emphasized that the infrastructure is not intended to open the world-famous resort island to unrestricted vehicular traffic, and vehicle use would remain strictly limited to authorized fleets under rules set by local and national regulators.

Furthermore, the company noted the bridge would not alter Boracay’s strict carrying-capacity limits or add hotel rooms. Instead, the land link is meant to complement the existing boat crossings, leaving passenger movement through the jetty ports operational while shifting heavy cargo, waste disposal, and utility lines to the bridge.

According to the 2020 census, Boracay is home to about 40,000 permanent residents who absorb high logistics costs because basic goods must be transported across the strait by boat.

San Miguel argues the bridge will lower these costs, reduce environmental pressure on the marine corridor, and improve emergency medical access to the mainland for vulnerable residents.