August 22, 2025 | 12:00am
The latest flooding in Metro Manila and close by provinces reignited a long-overdue nationwide dialog: how can we lastly resolve the persistent flooding problem that follows each hurricane and even simply mild rain?
In response, the federal government launched a sweeping investigation into corruption tied to flood management tasks. Names of contractors and politicians are being uncovered, with at least President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself main the cost to carry those that have misused Filipino taxpayers’ cash accountable.
The non-public sector has not remained silent. Ramon S. Ang, chairman of San Miguel Corp. (SMC), stepped ahead with a daring pledge to assist the federal government’s flood mitigation efforts. His dedication consists of drainage development, clearing operations, and relocating properties and faculties constructed dangerously near waterways.
“Now, I, San Miguel, Ramon Ang, am volunteering. I would be the one to assist all of Metro Manila in fixing the flood drawback for free of charge to the folks, no value to the federal government,” Ang declared throughout a media convention, talking in a mixture of English and Tagalog.
The enterprise neighborhood expressed its assist for the initiative. In a joint assertion, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Trade, together with the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Philippine Franchise Affiliation and Philippine Retailers Affiliation, counseled Ang’s proposal, saying it was aligned with the non-public sector’s dedication to collaborate with authorities in tackling points that affect enterprise, commerce and financial resilience.
President Marcos welcomed Ang’s provide, saying: “That’s one thing that’s very welcome. Any provides of assist are all the time welcome,” and famous that it was not solely a brand new growth. The truth is, it’s a continuation of a long-standing dedication by the conglomerate that Ang leads.
Through the peak of the pandemic in 2020, SMC launched what’s now the nation’s largest and longest-running non-public sector-led flood mitigation initiative known as Higher Rivers PH, starting with a P1-billion cleanup of the Tullahan River.
Following the profitable completion of the Tullahan River cleanup in 2022, SMC expanded its efforts by partnering as soon as once more with the Division of Surroundings and Pure Sources and native authorities items. This time SMC set to undertake a extra bold, probably historic endeavor: the rehabilitation of the Pasig River.
Given the a lot bigger expanse and more difficult nature of cleansing up the Pasig River, Ang doubled the finances to P2 billion. In only a 12 months, SMC cleared 1.3 million tons of waste from the 27-kilometer stretch of the famed river.
Reportedly, among the many supplies extracted have been discarded furnishings, home equipment and decomposing natural wastes. After SMC’s river cleanup, the stench that had lengthy been recognized with the Pasig River was significantly much less, extra aquatic life was noticed, and navigation for ferries grew to become safer.
Having already invested in specialised gear for river rehabilitation, SMC continued its cleanup efforts with willpower and consistency. After efficiently restoring the Tullahan and Pasig Rivers, the corporate expanded its initiative to incorporate the San Juan River, Pampanga River, and tributaries in Parañaque and Laguna.
Its most intensive and demanding enterprise, nevertheless, was in flood-prone Bulacan province, the place SMC eliminated 4.1 million tons of silt and waste in 2024 – a record-setting effort that underscored the dimensions of the issue and the corporate’s dedication to long-term options.
Flooding in Bulacan, very similar to in Metro Manila, stems from complicated elements. The province’s low-lying geography makes it a pure catch basin for water flowing from higher-elevation areas within the north. That is compounded by closely silted rivers, garbage-clogged drainage methods, and worsening land subsidence attributable to extreme groundwater extraction. Collectively, these circumstances paint a transparent image of why flooding stays a persistent problem within the area.
Whereas river cleanups alone received’t resolve the flooding disaster, initiatives like Higher Rivers PH are proving to be an important a part of the answer. Now on its fifth 12 months, SMC’s Higher Rivers PH program has eliminated over 8.5 million metric tons (and counting) of silt and stable waste from 10 main rivers throughout Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga and Laguna, amongst others.
Whereas some critics questioned the sincerity of Ang’s pledge, the monitor file of Higher Rivers PH speaks for itself. Past making guarantees, his dedication is rooted in persevering with the work that has already made a distinction.
The actual query is: Who can we belief to prepared the ground ahead? The person and firm which have quietly and persistently delivered outcomes, or voices that criticize with out providing options?
Shifting ahead, collaboration between the non-public sector and authorities shall be important. SMC’s initiative demonstrates how sustained, strategic partnerships can drive significant and optimistic change, not simply in Metro Manila, however throughout flood-prone areas nationwide. Higher Rivers PH is certainly a mannequin for the way enterprise, authorities and communities can work collectively to construct resilience, restore ecosystems, and defend lives and livelihoods.