TAGAY!

“Cheers” to island heroes and moments that matter

Making the Message Stick 

By Dominic Napat

Editor’s note: The "No to Boracay Bridge" campaign is gaining tangible traction across the island. A grassroots initiative by Humble Islands PH is distributing custom-designed stickers to oppose the unsolicited bridge project contract awarded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to San Miguel Corporation (SMC). 

Special stickers designed by Humble Islands are circulating, advocating for a Boracay Island without the need for a bridge. While viral social media posts have widely declared the bridge a certainty, the truth of the matter is that the DPWH-SMC bridge project cannot move forward without local government approval and extensive consultation with Boracay’s stakeholders. 

To counter the narrative, Humble Islands PH is using this on-the-ground campaign to make their message stick, fostering a community movement rooted in widespread local awareness.

We are aware, and we are “sticking” around.

“The sticker campaign was launched in response to DPWH’s awarding of an unsolicited bridge project contract to SMC,” explained Humble Islands administrators. Public commentary wrongly steered towards the project being a done deal and its construction pushing through. We decided that maintaining momentum and gathering community support in opposition to said project was vital, hoping to draw local, national and international attention.”

The initial campaign strategically leveraged the massive Labor Day weekend crowds in Boracay. Volunteers printed and distributed over 5,000 stickers and 170 tarpaulin posters. 

Backed by overwhelming community support, the 100% volunteer-driven movement was funded entirely through generous private donations. “All materials were distributed for free to the public, local businesses, and agencies,” they said.

We have a voice.

All it takes is a voice to stand out and stay present long enough to create change for the better. Those who silence voices will be made to listen to the cries of those banding together, yearning for justice in more ways than one. In this matter, illustrations created by local artists amplify these cries to keep the bridge out of Boracay and advocate for better solutions.

Visit @humbleislandsph on Instagram and Facebook to find out how you can support the cause.