DPWH Opens Bid vs SMC’s Boracay Bridge Proposal

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has invited comparative proposals for the Boracay Bridge project, which aims to connect Boracay Island to Malay, Aklan.

This move follows the DPWH’s confirmation of receiving an unsolicited proposal (USP) from San Miguel Holdings Corporation (SMHC) to finance, design, construct, operate, and maintain the bridge.

SMHC, led by businessman Ramon Ang, was granted original proponent status (OPS) after completing negotiations with the government on July 19, 2024.

The DPWH announced that local and international companies can participate in the comparative bidding process for the project until October 18, 2025.

The bidding process is expected to foster competition, encourage innovative solutions, and improve project quality while ensuring better pricing for the government.

The DPWH clarified that the bidding will follow a Single-Stage Bidding system, requiring interested firms to submit both their technical and financial proposals in a single envelope.

This approach aims to expedite the selection process by combining the evaluation of technical and financial requirements into one step.

SMHC’s proposal involves financing, designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining the Boracay Bridge under a 30-year concession period from the start of operations.

According to the DPWH, the project is estimated to cost around PHP 8 billion.

The proposed bridge spans approximately 2.54 kilometers and will include limited-access infrastructure with access roads, facility hubs on both islands, commercial spaces for lease, parking areas, and transport hubs for public vehicles and cargo.

The DPWH stated that the bridge will serve as an all-weather access route for vehicles and pedestrians, reducing the dependency on boat travel.

It is also expected to encourage visitors to explore alternative accommodations and activity centers on the mainland, helping ease overcrowding on Boracay Island.

The project aims to reduce environmental strain on Boracay by improving access to mainland facilities and mitigating the island’s carrying capacity challenges.

If awarded, SMHC will operate the bridge for 30 years as part of the concession agreement.

The DPWH emphasized that the Boracay Bridge project aligns with its goals to improve infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and support sustainable tourism in the region.