Boracay bridge project may displace 96 ferry workers

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

San Miguel Corp., through its subsidiary SMC Infrastructure, said the proposed PHP 7.78-billion Boracay Bridge project could displace at least 96 individuals currently employed in ferry system operations.

The estimate is based on figures the firm presented during stakeholder briefings and shared by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Boracay (PCCI-Boracay).

Despite the projected displacement, the Ramon Ang-led company said the project is expected to generate jobs, with an estimated 678 personnel required for bridge development.

About 251 workers per day will be needed during construction, and around 320 per day during operations of the bridge and its associated facility hubs.

An additional 107 indirect jobs are also expected to be created.

SMC said affected workers will be prioritized for hiring and offered capacity-building programs, along with development opportunities in surrounding hub areas.

PCCI-Boracay reiterated its opposition in a position paper dated April 24, citing concerns over environmental risks and sustainability.

The chamber warned that a permanent land connection to Boracay could disrupt marine ecosystems, coastal integrity, and the island’s famed white sand beaches.

PCCI-Boracay also raised concerns about overdevelopment and the island’s carrying capacity, citing existing pressure on infrastructure and waste management systems.

“Boracay has already experienced the consequences of exceeding its sustainable limits. Improved unrestricted access may lead to increased pressure on infrastructure, waste management systems, and natural resources, potentially reversing the gains achieved through rehabilitation,” it said.

The chamber noted that despite strict vehicle limits — including a “no private car” policy under municipal ordinances and Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force issuances — traffic congestion remains an issue on the island.

Economic displacement was also cited as a key concern, with the group noting that the current transport system sustains boat operators and other service providers whose livelihoods could be affected without a clear transition plan.

PCCI-Boracay also questioned the project’s compliance with requirements under the Public-Private Partnership Code and the Local Government Code, including the need for a comprehensive environmental impact assessment and broader stakeholder consultations.

“We are not opposed to progress. We recognize the importance of infrastructure in driving economic growth, improving accessibility, and enhancing the overall visitor experience,” the chamber said.

“However, we firmly believe that development must be responsible, inclusive, and grounded in the long-term sustainability and protection of Boracay Island,” it added.

PCCI-Boracay urged the government to prioritize investments in health care, environmental protection, port improvements, and waste management rather than pursuing a large-scale bridge project.

“Boracay’s value lies not only in its accessibility, but in its preservation. Any development initiative must protect what makes the island unique, ensuring that future generations may continue to benefit from its natural and economic resources,” the chamber said.

Daily Guardian has reached out to the Caticlan-Boracay Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative, one of the ferry transport service providers to the island, but it had not responded as of this writing.