San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Chairman Ramon Ang confirmed that his 2019 proposal to build a bridge connecting Boracay and Caticlan remains under consideration. In addition, Ang announced upcoming upgrades to the Godofredo Ramos Airport in Caticlan, which is operated by SMC.
Speaking at the Aviation Forum organized by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines, Ang explained that talks for the 1.2-kilometer bridge, which would link mainland Malay, Aklan to Boracay Island, are still ongoing. The bridge, aimed at addressing waste disposal issues on the island, is also expected to help decongest Boracay by encouraging tourists and resort workers to stay in Caticlan instead.
“Kung pwede ko decongest ang Boracay at mailipat sa Caticlan, gaganda ang Boracay,” Ang said in an ABS-CBN News report, emphasizing that accommodations in Caticlan could serve as an alternative for visitors and workers.
The Boracay Bridge Project is estimated to cost between P5.7 billion and P8 billion, according to figures from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Center. The bridge is designed to accommodate vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and utilities such as power, water, and telecommunications.
Meanwhile, Ang revealed that a new terminal is being planned for the Caticlan airport, which will feature a capacity of 7 million passengers and eight boarding bridges. He acknowledged that the construction had faced delays due to land acquisition issues, with some property owners demanding prices much higher than appraised values.
“The reason why natatagalan ang Caticlan… yung mga may-ari ng lupa, karamihan sa kanila kung magbenta ng lupa three times the appraised value, pag alam nila mas kailangan mo, ten times,” Ang explained.
Despite these setbacks, Ang assured that the contract for the terminal would be awarded soon, with the project expected to be completed in less than three years. He also clarified that the nearby Kalibo airport, which accommodates larger aircraft, would not be negatively impacted by the Caticlan airport upgrade.
Ang concluded by stating that with the modernization of Caticlan airport, along with ongoing projects at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Bulacan airport, he is not planning to pursue new airport ventures at this time.