ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) has formally elevated its opposition to the proposed ₱7.78-billion Boracay Bridge, sending a direct appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for an urgent review of the project. The group, representing a broad coalition of business owners, tourism workers, and residents, warns that the bridge could permanently scar the island’s natural landscape and jeopardize its fragile ecosystem.
The appeal comes on the heels of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) awarding the 2.54-kilometer bridge contract to San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC) on March 25, 2026.
In a letter acknowledged by the Office of the President, the BFI detailed several “grave concerns” regarding the land link between the island and mainland Malay, Aklan:
- Fragile Ecosystem: The group fears the bridge will disrupt critical coastal processes, including water circulation and sediment movement, which are essential for maintaining Boracay’s iconic white sand beaches.
- Redundant Infrastructure: BFI argues that the island is already efficiently served by a reliable maritime transport system. They claim the bridge is “unnecessary” and threatens the livelihoods of thousands of boatmen and transport workers.
- Overdevelopment: Advocates for the “island feel” worry that a permanent bridge will lead to unmanageable tourist influxes, straining the island’s carrying capacity which was strictly regulated following the 2018 rehabilitation.
The project faces a steep uphill battle in terms of local support. Both the Aklan Provincial Board and the Municipal Government of Malay have passed multiple resolutions strongly denouncing the DPWH’s decision.
- Lack of Consultation: Local officials claim the project was greenlit as an unsolicited proposal without meaningful public consultation or endorsement from the affected local government units (LGUs).
- Legal Hurdles: The Aklan provincial board has requested all bidding and negotiation documents from the PPP Center, with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Aklan chapter offering legal assistance to challenge the award.
Despite the mounting pressure, the national government maintains that the bridge is “critical infrastructure.”
- Connectivity and Safety: Proponents argue the bridge will provide an all-weather link for emergency services, solid waste haulage, and a more stable flow of goods.
- Secretary’s Assurance: DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon stated that while the award has been issued, San Miguel Corporation is tasked with “addressing and satisfying” all stakeholder grievances before full-scale construction begins.
“Boracay is more than a site for infrastructure; it is a symbol of environmental recovery and sustainable tourism,” the BFI stated, urging the President to prioritize a science-based environmental impact assessment over rapid development.