ILOILO City – Malacañang has officially transmitted to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) a letter from a Boracay-based stakeholders’ group opposing the planned bridge project, highlighting escalating concerns even after the government moved to award the contract.
In a communication issued by the Office of the President of the Philippines through the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for General Administration, a letter from Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) was formally endorsed to the DPWH for appropriate action.
The BFI, led by its chairman Dindo Miguel Martin F. Salazar, earlier appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to suspend the proposed Boracay Bridge Project until comprehensive environmental impact studies are completed and consultations with stakeholders are properly conducted.
The Palace clarified that the transmittal was done solely to forward the correspondence and should not be construed as influencing the DPWH’s independent assessment of the project.
The move comes as opposition continues to build against the plan to construct a bridge connecting Boracay Island to mainland Malay. Various sectors, including local government officials, business groups, and environmental advocates, have expressed concern over the possible effects on the island’s fragile ecosystem and tourism-driven economy.
Critics have warned that the project could disrupt coastal dynamics, place additional pressure on limited resources, and weaken environmental protections established after Boracay’s six-month rehabilitation in 2018.
Regulatory agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have since enforced stricter controls on development and visitor numbers.
Despite these concerns, the DPWH earlier issued a Notice of Award for the P7.78-billion project to San Miguel Holdings Corporation, headed by Ramon S. Ang.
The project, to be implemented under a public-private partnership scheme, involves the financing, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the bridge. The winning proponent has been directed to complete post-award requirements, including financial guarantees and the formation of a special purpose company, before the concession agreement can be finalized.
Meanwhile, the municipal government of Malay has maintained its opposition through a Sangguniang Bayan resolution, reflecting sentiments from residents and stakeholders wary of the project’s long-term impact.
While government officials have pointed to improved connectivity, faster emergency response, and more efficient transport of goods as potential benefits, critics continue to push for further studies and broader consultation.
With the Palace now formally relaying stakeholder concerns to the DPWH, discussions surrounding the Boracay Bridge Project are expected to persist as the project advances toward implementation./PN
