The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has officially awarded a P7.78-billion contract for the construction of a bridge connecting mainland Aklan to Boracay Island. Under a Public-Private Partnership framework, a private infrastructure developer will handle the financing, design, construction, and 35-year operation of the 2.54-kilometer link.

The project is intended to provide all-weather access to the island, improve emergency response times, and facilitate more efficient waste management. However, the decision has met significant resistance from both the provincial government of Aklan and the municipal government of Malay. Local officials and environmental advocates argue that the bridge could intensify overdevelopment and damage the island’s delicate ecosystem. There are also deep concerns regarding the livelihood of hundreds of boatmen and port employees who currently provide the primary means of transport to the island.

The award was finalized following a competitive challenge process where no alternative bids were submitted. While the project proponent prepares to conduct technical and geotechnical studies, the national government maintains that the bridge is a necessary step to manage the island’s carrying capacity. The developer now has a limited window to fulfill administrative requirements before the concession agreement is officially signed.