CUNA (DENR)
ILOILO CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will get the public’s input following the awarding by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of the P7.8-billion Boracay bridge contract to San Miguel Holdings Corp.
DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the project will have a public consultation once there is an application for an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). “Part of acquiring an ECC is public consultation,” Cuna said while in Iloilo City recently.
The DPWH has been questioned over its decision to award an unsolicited contract to SMHC despite the opposition of officials and residents over the 2.54-kilometer bridge that will link world-famous Boracay Island to mainland Malay town in Aklan province.
The Aklan Provincial Board, the Malay Sangguniang Bayan, the Boracay Foundation Inc., and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Boracay Chapter reiterated that the bridge will further degrade the environment of the country’s most popular beach destination.
Cuna said the DENR has yet to have a copy of the project description. “But there will be an opportune time for all stakeholders, residents, and any concerned parties to raise their objections,” Cuna added.
