MANILA, Philippines – The San Miguel group, led by business magnate Ramon Ang, is advancing its ambitious plan to construct a bridge connecting to the world-renowned island of Boracay, having recently secured a formal notice of award from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This development comes in the face of significant resistance from the local government of Aklan province.
“It’s a national government project so I hope the national government can convince them,” Ang remarked in a statement, alluding to the provincial authorities.
The DPWH document, dated March 25, officially grants San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC) the contract for the financing, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed 2.54-kilometer bridge. The project, valued at approximately P7.78 billion including financing costs, will be executed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. SMHC emerged as the winning proponent following a competitive challenge process conducted under the country's PPP Code.
Under the award's conditions, SMHC must fulfill several post-award requirements within 20 calendar days. These include providing a performance security, demonstrating secured financing commitments, and establishing a special purpose company to act as the official concessionaire for the project.
Ang confirmed that the conglomerate would proceed with preliminary technical work, including imminent geotechnical studies, to move the project forward.
The push from San Miguel contrasts sharply with the stance of the Aklan provincial government. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Aklan has formally passed a resolution vehemently opposing the bridge proposal. Local officials have raised alarms about potential damage to Boracay's delicate marine ecosystem and concerns over the island's already strained carrying capacity for tourism and development.