Boracay is world-renowned for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. But like many top tourist destinations in the country, getting there doesn’t come cheap. Local travelers, especially those coming from Metro Manila, often need to take a flight or endure multiple ferry transfers, followed by a boat ride to the island. These travel costs, on top of typically high accommodation rates, can quickly add up, making a Boracay trip a significant expense for many.

But in just a few years, traveling to Boracay could become a little bit easier, after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) awarded the Boracay Bridge project to San Miguel Corporation (SMC). SMC is one of the country’s toll road operators, and the Boracay Bridge is unlikely to be an exception.

_{L-R: DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon, SMC Chairman Ramon Ang, President Bongbong Marcos, DOTr Sec. Banoy Lopez, and TRB Exec. Director Jay Art Tugade}

According to the DPWH, a Notice of Award (NOA) was issued on March 30 by the Office of the Public Works Secretary and addressed to SMC chairman Ramon S. Ang. The letter stated that the agency had approved the resolution of its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Prequalification, Bids, and Awards Committee, formally recommending the project’s award to SMC.

The PHP 7.78-billion project stemmed from an unsolicited proposal by SMC and, according to DPWH, it underwent a “Swiss Challenge” process that invited competing bids from other interested parties. No other proposals were received.

The contract covers the financing, design, construction, as well as the operation and maintenance of the planned 2.54-kilometer bridge linking mainland Panay to Boracay. As a limited-access facility, it may operate similarly to existing tollways, which could mean restrictions on sub-400cc motorcycles.

The project also includes a segment featuring sidewalks and dedicated bicycle lanes, along with access road facilities on both ends. These will accommodate commercial spaces, parking areas for service vehicles and public transport, and a designated cargo hub, forming an integrated transport and support network around the bridge.