KALIBO, Aklan—Boat operators held a silent protest to express their opposition to the proposed construction of a bridge connecting Boracay Island to the mainland of Malay.
According to Christine Hope Pagsuguiron, a barangay councilor of Caticlan, Malay, a motorcade was organized by the Caticlan-Boracay Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CBTMPC), an association of boat operators and boatmen, which started in Barangay Caticlan and looped through Barangay Poblacion. Members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) and other private individuals also participated in the event.
The cooperative has long opposed the bridge project, fearing it could have negative impact in their livelihood. Nabas councilor and CBTMPC consultant Godofredo Sadiasa stressed that the boat operators are still recovering from loans taken to upgrade their wooden boats to fiberglass vessels, following an order from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
Additionally, the group is concerned about potential environmental damage, particularly to coral reefs and the marine ecosystem, if the major construction begins.
The bridge project, with an estimated budget of P4.6 billion, is part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Infrastructure Project led by San Miguel Corporation.
