Malay mayor open to Boracay bridge with safeguards

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

MALAY, Aklan — Mayor Frolibar Bautista said he is open to the proposed 2.54-kilometer Boracay bridge connecting Boracay Island to Caticlan as long as no one is displaced by its construction.

“We will study. We have to be realistic in this situation. No one should be displaced. That is the issue — the displacement — that a sector will be affected if the bridge is constructed,” Bautista said in an interview with Super Radyo Kalibo on Nov. 20.

He said building the bridge could improve accessibility, particularly during emergencies, typhoons, or periods when sea travel is suspended due to bad weather.

Bautista noted that many of the millions of tourists visiting Boracay include senior citizens who often face difficulties crossing to the island.

“Like what happened in the recent typhoon where all boats were not able to operate — if there’s an emergency, what will happen now? […] Accessibility is important,” he said.

“We have to open our minds to the needs so that we can attract more visitors. What is important is we cannot displace other sectors once this project materializes,” he added.

In July, San Miguel Corp. (SMC) said no boatmen servicing tourists would lose their livelihood under the proposed bridge project.

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

SMC President Ramon Ang said affected boatmen would be trained to operate hybrid vehicles to transport visitors, ensuring they maintain a source of income after the bridge’s completion.

“No boatman will lose their job […] Under our proposal, we will work with them, train them, and help them transition to driving a hybrid vehicle that will bring visitors across,” Ang said.

The Caticlan-Boracay Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative, however, raised concerns that around 40 employees and 414 boatmen — along with 2,200 dependents — could lose their livelihood if ferry services are replaced by the bridge.

Environmental concerns also remain.

Citing possible damage to Boracay’s fragile marine ecosystem and carrying capacity, the Aklan provincial government has rejected the proposed project.

In a four-page resolution approved on Oct. 8, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan expressed “strong objection” to the bridge, 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 read.

“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. Infrastructure development must not come at the expense of long-term environmental damage,” it added.

The SP also cited earlier opposition from local governments, including resolutions from the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay and the Barangay Council of Caticlan, which flagged the lack of formal endorsement, application, or consultation with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and SMHC.

The DPWH, however, maintains that the bridge would improve accessibility between Boracay and Caticlan.

It said the bridge is expected to provide a reliable, all-weather land connection to replace the ferry-dependent transport system, which is vulnerable to weather disruptions.

It also said the project is designed to reduce travel time, improve the movement of tourists and goods, and support sustainable tourism development on Boracay.