“We will start geotechnical design soon,” SMC chair and CEO Ramon S. Ang said in a text message on Monday.
The award notice to SMC was earlier reported by Manila Bulletin Business.
Groundwork begins for bridge project
This marks the start of the technical groundwork phase of the project, signaling the transition into pre-construction activities for the 2.54-kilometer bridge.
Geotechnical means studying the soil and ground conditions to make sure the structure can be safely built and supported.
Access, waste, and capacity impact
Boracay Island, which saw 2.1 million visitors in 2025, is currently accessible only by ferry boats.
Ang earlier said the bridge could help address waste disposal challenges by improving the movement of garbage off the island.
He added that while the project will enhance access, it could also help ease pressure on Boracay by allowing visitors to stay on the mainland and commute to the island, reducing strain on its capacity.
PPP project
SMC won the 30-year concession after undergoing a Public-Private Partnership competitive challenge, where other parties were invited to match its proposal.
The award notice from the Department of Public Works and Highways was released on March 30, 2026.
SMC also operates the Boracay Airport, also known as Caticlan Airport, which is the nearest international gateway to Boracay island.
Bikeways and pedestrian lanes included
The Boracay Bridge will provide “public transport access, pedestrian lanes, bikeways, transport of solid waste and cargo, and provision of carriage of utility lines”, according to a DPWH project brief dated Jan. 25, 2026.
The project has faced strong opposition from boatmen, transport groups, and environmental advocates, who warned it could threaten livelihoods.
LGU opposition
At the same time, supporters pointed to improved access and connectivity, which could generate new jobs, support critical business activity, and boost response times during disaster and medical emergencies.
The Aklan provincial government earlier rejected the Boracay bridge, warning it could harm the environment and worsen congestion.
The DPWH is pushing forward under the PPP framework but opposition from the local government adds risk to its implementation.
Miguel R. Camus has been a reporter covering various domestic business topics since 2009.
