AKLAN – The Aklan provincial government has officially rejected the proposed construction of the Boracay bridge, a project that would connect mainland Malay to the world-renowned Boracay Island, citing serious environmental, social, and economic concerns.
In a resolution approved on October 8, 2025, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan expressed its “strong objection” to the proposed 2.54-kilometer bridge project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and San Miguel Holdings Corporation (SMHC), the infrastructure arm of San Miguel Corporation.
The provincial board stressed that the project was planned without proper consultation or approval from the people of Malay or the Aklanon community. It also warned that the bridge would have detrimental effects on the island’s fragile marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of thousands of local 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.
Officials raised alarm over the potential destruction of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and beaches, as well as the possible increase in marine and air pollution once the bridge is built.
Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores also voiced concerns that the project could worsen traffic congestion, erode Boracay’s exclusivity, and intensify development pressures on the island. He added that the province could suffer major losses in local revenue, particularly from jetty port terminal fees that currently fund public hospitals and social welfare programs.
The SP warned that the project could violate an existing provincial ordinance enforcing a “One Entry–One Exit Policy” through the designated Caticlan and Cagban jetty ports, which regulates the flow of tourists and goods to protect the island’s carrying capacity.
Local transport cooperatives, including the Caticlan-Boracay Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CBTMPC) and the Malay Ports Service Multi-Purpose Cooperative, also opposed the project, saying it would displace hundreds of boatmen, porters, and workers dependent on ferry operations between Caticlan and Boracay.
According to CBTMPC consultant Godofredo Sadiasa, about 500 boatmen and 40 boat owners stand to lose their primary source of income once the bridge becomes operational. The cooperative, which invested nearly P500 million in boat modernization under government mandates, said the project would render its newly acquired fiberglass vessels obsolete.
Boat operators further pointed out that they were compelled to modernize their boats only a few years ago to comply with safety and environmental standards — a move intended to sustain, not replace, their livelihoods.
The SP resolution also noted that both the provincial government and the local government of Malay could lose more than P600 million in annual revenue from jetty port fees alone. These funds, it said, are vital in sustaining Aklan’s public health and social services.
Environmental groups and tourism stakeholders have likewise voiced fears that the construction of the bridge could disrupt marine ecosystems, alter tidal patterns, and even affect the airspace near the Caticlan Airport.
Despite the DPWH’s confirmation that SMHC was poised to secure the P8.01-billion contract for the Boracay bridge project after no rival bids were submitted, the Aklan government maintained its firm stance against the proposal.
Copies of the resolution were forwarded to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the DPWH, and other concerned agencies to formally convey the province’s unwavering opposition to the project./PN
