SMC seeks gov’t OK for P3-billion Caticlan-Boracay bridge

MANILA, Philippines — Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) said it is hopeful of securing government approval soon for its plan to build a P3-billion bridge connecting Caticlan to Boracay Island.

“I hope the government will finally approve the bridge,” SMC president and COO Ramon Ang said.

The unsolicited proposal has already been submitted to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) more than a month ago, Ang said.

He said with the bridge, the government would not have to rehabilitate Boracay regularly as there would be a pipe that can handle the sewage and waste from the tourist island.

The popular tourist island has ben closed since April for rehabilitation, but is set to re-open next month.

SMC’s proposed bridge will connect the two islands which have an actual gap of 1.1 kilometers.

Ang said the project could be completed within two years after securing approval from the government.

The proposed bridge handles the sewage pipe and all the sewage from Boracay to Caticlan, and then from Caticlan, fresh water can be transported to Boracay.

“It can bring the solid waste and it can bring electricity,” Ang added.

The amount of waste generated in Boracay stood at 170 tons a day before the island’s six-month closure last April.

To regain its P3-billion investment, SMC will charge a users’ fee for vehicles and pedestrians who will use the bridge, as well as the waste, sewage, fresh water, and power lines that will be passing through it.

The project, Ang said, would also be in synergy with SMC’s Caticlan airport in Boracay.

The company is currently expanding the Caticlan airport to handle more passengers.

Aside from the Boracay Bridge, SMC also proposed other infrastructure projects, including a proposal to build a $15-billion airport in Bulacan to decongest NAIA.