In a strategic move aimed at mitigating the persistent flooding issues in Metro Manila, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has entered into a partnership with the Quezon City government to undertake extensive river rehabilitation projects. This collaboration seeks to address the severe flooding that has long plagued the capital region by focusing on cleaning and expanding the capacity of critical waterways.
The partnership, formalized through a memorandum of agreement, outlines SMC’s commitment to deepening and widening key sections of the San Juan River. This agreement extends the company’s ongoing efforts to include the Tullahan River, reaching as far as the La Mesa Dam. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve the rainwater drainage capacity and ensure more efficient water outflow into Manila Bay. Additionally, the project will focus on the removal of silt and debris from other tributaries as identified by Quezon City authorities.
Ramon Ang, the chair and CEO of San Miguel Corporation, emphasized the importance of these efforts as part of the company’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility. “For five years now, we have been actively involved in river cleaning operations because addressing the flooding problem is crucial for the well-being and safety of our communities,” Ang stated.
This partnership aligns with the broader governmental push for accountability in infrastructure projects, as underscored by President Marcos in his recent State of the Nation Address. The President articulated a firm stance on pursuing officials and contractors who have historically benefited from substandard flood control initiatives, thereby reinforcing the necessity for transparency and efficiency in such critical public works.
The collaboration between San Miguel Corporation and Quezon City sets a significant precedent in public-private partnerships aimed at addressing environmental challenges. This initiative is poised to deliver tangible improvements in urban flood management, enhancing the overall resilience of the capital’s infrastructure.
