San Miguel Corporation (SMC) on Friday clarified that the proposed ₱7.78 billion Boracay Bridge project has not been abandoned, stressing that its future hinges on further consultations with local stakeholders.
The company issued the statement after reports and social media posts suggested it had withdrawn from the plan, which was awarded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under a public-private partnership.
SMC explained that the confusion stemmed from interpretations of a May 13 meeting between Chairman and CEO Ramon Ang and Aklan provincial officials. The meeting focused on concerns raised by boat operators, transport groups, cooperatives, tricycle drivers, and port workers, including livelihood displacement, loan obligations tied to boat modernization, and changes to transport operations between Caticlan and Boracay.
Ang acknowledged opposition from local officials and emphasized that the company would not push through with the project without community support.
He added that the plan “could be revisited in the future if concerns on livelihood, transport operations, access, safeguards and other local impacts are properly addressed through further consultations.”
SMC said it has been “consistently engaging stakeholders in good faith” and will continue discussions with government agencies and local groups on mitigation measures, transition support, and livelihood programs.
The proposed bridge is envisioned as a controlled-access link to improve the movement of goods, utilities, waste, emergency services, and regulated transport between Caticlan and Boracay. The company stressed it would not allow unrestricted vehicle access, nor would it increase hotel capacity or tourist caps, which remain under government limits.
SMC added that the bridge would complement, not replace, the existing boat system, while easing pressure on the marine corridor that currently carries passengers, cargo, and essential services.
It also noted that Boracay residents and businesses face higher logistics costs due to reliance on sea transport, and said the bridge could improve delivery efficiency and access, particularly during emergencies and for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.