Boracay bridge project still under review, SMC clarifies

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) clarified that no final decision has been made to abandon the proposed ₱7.78-billion Boracay Bridge Project, emphasizing that broader stakeholder consultations will continue to determine the project’s future direction.

The statement came after reports and social media posts claimed that SMC had withdrawn from the infrastructure project, which was previously awarded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through a public-private partnership (PPP) process.

According to SMC, the reports appeared to stem from varying interpretations of discussions held during a May 13 meeting between SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang and Aklan officials led by Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores, Representatives Florencio Miraflores and Jesus Marquez, and Board Member Reynaldo Quimpo.

SMC said the meeting formed part of its ongoing consultations with local stakeholders and focused on concerns raised by transport groups, boat owners, cooperatives, tricycle drivers, port workers, and residents whose livelihoods may be affected by the project.

Among the issues discussed were possible displacement of existing transport services, unpaid loans tied to boat modernization programs, and operational changes in the current Caticlan-Boracay transport system.

During the discussions, Ang acknowledged the opposition expressed by some local officials and stressed that SMC would not push through with the project without community support.

“He emphasized that the company will not insist on pursuing the bridge if host communities remain opposed to it,” SMC said, adding that the proposal may still be revisited in the future should concerns on livelihood, transport operations, accessibility, environmental safeguards, and other community impacts be properly addressed.

The conglomerate maintained that it remains committed to engaging stakeholders in good faith and will continue coordinating with government agencies, cooperatives, and local groups to explore mitigation measures, transition assistance, and alternative livelihood programs.

Controlled-access infrastructure

SMC clarified that the proposed bridge is designed as a controlled-access connection aimed at improving the movement of essential goods and services between Caticlan and Boracay while supporting the island’s tourism economy.

The company stressed that the bridge is not intended to allow unrestricted vehicle access to Boracay. Only authorized vehicles would be permitted, subject to regulations to be set by local and national authorities.

SMC also emphasized that the project would not increase hotel capacity, alter tourist limits, or weaken existing environmental protections governing the island.

“Boracay’s carrying-capacity limits and environmental safeguards will remain under the jurisdiction of national and local government authorities,” the company said.

The bridge is likewise intended to complement—not replace—the existing boat transport system. Passenger movement through the jetty port is expected to continue, while the bridge would primarily handle cargo movement, waste transport, utilities access, emergency services, and regulated land-based operations.

SMC noted that the project could help ease pressure on the marine corridor currently used for both passenger and cargo transport, including the movement of supplies, waste, and essential services.

Addressing logistics and accessibility concerns

Based on the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Boracay is home to around 40,000 permanent residents. Because most goods and supplies must be transported across the strait, businesses and residents face higher logistics and delivery costs.

SMC said the bridge could improve supply-chain efficiency and reduce transportation costs for basic commodities and services.

The project is also expected to improve mobility for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and residents with limited mobility, particularly during emergencies and for travel to the mainland for medical care, education, government transactions, work, and family-related needs.