San Miguel: No final decision on Boracay bridge pending consultations

Insider Spotlight

• San Miguel Corp. said no final decision has been made to drop the proposed Boracay Bridge Project.
• The P7.78-billion project will undergo wider consultations with local stakeholders.
• San Miguel said reports that it had abandoned the project stemmed from differing interpretations of a May 13 meeting with Aklan officials.
• The company said it will not push the project if host communities do not support it.

San Miguel Corp. clarified that the proposed Boracay Bridge Project remains under consideration and has not been abandoned, as the company seeks broader engagement with local stakeholders before determining its next steps.

The conglomerate issued the clarification following reports and social media posts claiming it had backed out of the P7.78-billion infrastructure project, which was previously awarded by the Department of Public Works and Highways through a public-private partnership process.

Why it matters

The bridge proposal has drawn attention because of its potential impact on tourism, logistics, transportation and livelihoods in Boracay and nearby Caticlan. The project has also faced concerns from transport groups and local communities that rely on existing sea-based operations.

According to San Miguel, the reports appear to have resulted from differing interpretations of discussions held during a May 13 meeting between San Miguel chair and CEO Ramon Ang and Aklan officials, including Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores, Representative Florencio Miraflores, Representative Jesus Marquez and Board Member Reynaldo Quimpo.

The details

San Miguel said the meeting focused on issues raised by boat owners, transport associations, cooperatives, tricycle drivers, port workers and other stakeholders. Among the concerns discussed were possible livelihood displacement, outstanding boat modernization loans and changes to transport operations between Caticlan and Boracay.

During the discussions, Ang acknowledged opposition expressed by local officials and indicated that San Miguel would not insist on pursuing the project if host communities do not support it. The company added that the proposal could be revisited in the future if concerns related to livelihoods, transport operations, access and safeguards are adequately addressed through further consultations.

What’s next

San Miguel said it will continue working with government agencies, cooperatives and local groups to study mitigation measures, transition support and livelihood programs.

The company emphasized that the bridge is designed as a controlled-access link intended to improve the movement of goods, waste, utilities, emergency services and regulated transport.

It added that the project would not allow unrestricted vehicle access, increase tourist capacity or replace existing environmental safeguards governing Boracay. Passenger boat operations are also expected to continue alongside the proposed bridge connection.

— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas