Aklan government rejects proposed Boracay bridge project

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Amid growing concerns over potential harm to Boracay Island’s fragile marine ecosystem and limited carrying capacity, the Aklan provincial government has formally rejected the proposed 2.54-kilometer bridge project connecting mainland Malay to Boracay.

In a four-page resolution approved on Oct. 8, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan expressed “strong objection” to the project, saying it would be “inimical to the economic and social conditions” of residents.

“The bridge will destroy the allure of Boracay as an island destination known for its white sand beaches and captivating marine environment,” the resolution stated.

It further warned that “the construction of a bridge in coastal and marine environments presents great ecological risks, especially to delicate ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and beaches,” adding that infrastructure development “must not come at the expense of long-term environmental damage.”

In rejecting the proposal, the SP cited several previous actions by local governments opposing the project, including resolutions passed by the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay and the Barangay Council of Caticlan.

These measures noted the absence of any formal endorsement, application, or public consultation regarding the bridge proposal from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) or San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC).

SMHC, the infrastructure arm of San Miguel Corp., is the project’s original proponent.

The SP also emphasized that Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores had earlier raised serious concerns about the bridge’s potential risks and challenges.

Miraflores warned that the project could worsen traffic congestion on the island, erode its exclusivity and authenticity, and intensify development pressures.

He also cited potential losses in local revenue, difficulties in managing Boracay’s carrying capacity, and possible negative social and cultural effects.

“While a proposed bridge infrastructure to a resort island offers several enticing benefits, including improved accessibility and overcrowding relief, it also poses significant challenges and risks,” Miraflores said in a letter to the DPWH.

The SP resolution further warned that the project could violate an existing provincial ordinance enforcing the “One Entry–One Exit Policy” through the designated Caticlan and Cagban jetty ports.

Local transport cooperatives, including the Caticlan-Boracay Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CBTMPC) and the Malay Ports Service Multi-Purpose Cooperative, also voiced opposition to the project, saying it would displace hundreds of boatmen and port workers.

The CBTMPC estimated that around 40 employees and 414 boatmen, along with 2,200 dependents, would lose their livelihoods if ferry services were replaced by the bridge.

The Aklan provincial government also noted that both it and the local government of Malay could lose more than PHP 600 million in annual revenue from jetty port terminal fees, which currently fund public hospitals and social programs across the province.

The resolution cited the lack of a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, warning that the bridge’s construction could disrupt marine ecosystems, alter tidal patterns, and affect the airspace near the Caticlan Airport.

Earlier in October, the DPWH confirmed that SMHC was poised to secure the PHP 8.01 billion contract for the Boracay bridge project after no rival bids were submitted by the Oct. 18 deadline.