Over 500 boatmen have opposed the proposed 1.2-kilometer bridge connecting Boracay Island to mainland Province of Aklan.

While the goal of the planned P8-billion project is to offer fast and comfortable transit from mainland Panay to Boracay Island, more economic opportunities, and quick response to emergencies especially during calamities, “bangkeros” (boatmen) see the development detrimental to their means of livelihood.

Boyet Mansanero, for example, fears that he might lose his source of income. He has been a boatman in the last 24 years.

“Diyan kami namumuhay ng pamilya namin. Kapag nagka-tulay na, parang ninakawan na rin kami ng hanapbuhay namin,” Mansanero said.

Another boatman, Rephil Semillano, is also worried that his 30-year-old job will be drowned by the bridge project. He said he is sad because he has grandchildren in school to support.

“Huwag nilang ituloy dahil kawawa ang mga apo namin. Wala na akong ibang trabaho, ito lang, bangka lang talaga,” Semillano said.

Mansanero and Semillano are among the boatmen who joined a motorcade on October 10, 2024 in the town of Malay to stage a protest against the proposed bridge.

Since then, the boatmen have been wearing their yellow t-shirt that bears the “No to Boracay Bridge” statement.

The boatmen also mentioned of a monthly payment of about P200,000 to a loan from Caticlan-Boracay Transport Multipurpose Cooperative that was used to buy 48 fiber boats in line with the government’s modernization program of maritime vessels.  

Aside from the 500 boatmen, the proposal is seen to affect boat owners, porters, and staff members of ports.

According to the website of the Department of Public Works and Highways, negotiation between the government and the original proponent culminated on July 19, 2024 for the public-private partnership (PPP) project and that the approval is under process.

However, the mayor of the Municipality of Malay said that he has not received a formal proposal yet. He assured he would consider tourism stakeholders such as boatmen and operators in relation to the planned bridge.

“Marami pa tayong pag-uusapan diyan. Ayaw naman nating ma-displace ang iba diyan. May mga discussion yan at consultations, so lalabas yan because this is a democratic country," Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista said.