SAN Miguel Corp. (SMC) on Friday clarified that no final decision has been made to abandon the proposed P7.78-billion Boracay Bridge Project, saying further consultations with stakeholders will continue before determining the project’s next steps.
The company issued the clarification after reports and social media posts claimed that SMC had backed out of the project, which had earlier been awarded by the Department of Public Works and Highways through a public-private partnership process.
SMC said the reports stemmed from differing interpretations of discussions held during a May 13 meeting between SMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon Ang and Aklan officials led by Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores.
The meeting formed part of ongoing consultations regarding concerns raised by boat owners, transport groups, cooperatives, tricycle drivers, port workers and other stakeholders who may be affected by the project.
The concerns raised included possible livelihood displacement, existing boat modernization loans and changes to transport operations between Caticlan and Boracay.
Ang told local officials that the company would not insist on pursuing the project if host communities refused to support it.
The company said the bridge project could still be revisited in the future once concerns involving livelihoods, transport operations, accessibility and environmental safeguards are properly addressed through wider consultations.
SMC said it would continue engaging government agencies, cooperatives and local groups to study mitigation measures, transition support and livelihood programs.
The proposed bridge is intended to provide a controlled-access link between Caticlan and Boracay to improve the movement of goods, utilities, waste management services and emergency response operations.
SMC emphasized that the project was not meant to allow unrestricted vehicle access to Boracay, noting that vehicle use would remain subject to rules set by local and national authorities.
The company also said the bridge would not increase hotel capacity or alter existing environmental and carrying-capacity limits on the island.
Passenger boat operations through the jetty port are expected to continue, while the bridge would mainly support cargo movement, emergency access and essential services.
SMC added that the project could help lower logistics costs for residents and businesses on the island by improving the delivery of goods and supplies.
