SMC’s Better Rivers PH

The recent flooding in Metro Manila and nearby provinces reignited a long-overdue national conversation: how do we finally solve the chronic flooding challenge that follows every typhoon or even just light rain?

In response, the government launched a sweeping investigation into corruption tied to flood control projects. Names of contractors and politicians are being exposed, with no less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself leading the charge to hold those who have misused Filipino taxpayers’ money accountable.

The private sector has not remained silent. Ramon S. Ang, chairman of San Miguel Corp. (SMC), stepped forward with a bold pledge to support the government’s flood mitigation efforts. His commitment includes drainage construction, clearing operations, and relocating homes and schools built dangerously close to waterways.

“Now, I, San Miguel, Ramon Ang, am volunteering. I will be the one to help all of Metro Manila in solving the flood problem at no cost to the people, no cost to the government,” Ang declared during a media conference, speaking in a mix of English and Tagalog.

The business community expressed its support for the initiative. In a joint statement, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Philippine Franchise Association and Philippine Retailers Association, commended Ang’s proposal, saying it was aligned with the private sector’s commitment to collaborate with government in tackling issues that impact business, trade and economic resilience.

President Marcos welcomed Ang’s offer, saying: “That’s something that’s very welcome. Any offers of help are always welcome,” and noted that it was not entirely a new development. In fact, it is a continuation of a long-standing commitment by the conglomerate that Ang leads.

During the height of the pandemic in 2020, SMC launched what is now the country’s largest and longest-running private sector-led flood mitigation initiative called Better Rivers PH, beginning with a P1-billion cleanup of the Tullahan River.

Following the successful completion of the Tullahan River cleanup in 2022, SMC expanded its efforts by partnering once again with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and local government units. This time SMC set to undertake a more ambitious, potentially historic endeavor: the rehabilitation of the Pasig River.

Given the much larger expanse and more challenging nature of cleaning up the Pasig River, Ang doubled the budget to P2 billion. In just a year, SMC cleared 1.3 million tons of waste from the 27-kilometer stretch of the famed river.

Reportedly, among the materials extracted were discarded furniture, appliances and decomposing organic wastes. After SMC’s river cleanup, the stench that had long been identified with the Pasig River was considerably less, more aquatic life was observed, and navigation for ferries became safer.

Having already invested in specialized equipment for river rehabilitation, SMC continued its cleanup efforts with determination and consistency. After successfully restoring the Tullahan and Pasig Rivers, the company expanded its initiative to include the San Juan River, Pampanga River, and tributaries in Parañaque and Laguna.

Its most extensive and demanding undertaking, however, was in flood-prone Bulacan province, where SMC removed 4.1 million tons of silt and waste in 2024 - a record-setting effort that underscored the scale of the problem and the company’s commitment to long-term solutions.

Flooding in Bulacan, much like in Metro Manila, stems from complex factors. The province’s low-lying geography makes it a natural catch basin for water flowing from higher-elevation areas in the north. This is compounded by heavily silted rivers, garbage-clogged drainage systems, and worsening land subsidence caused by excessive groundwater extraction. Together, these conditions paint a clear picture of why flooding remains a persistent challenge in the region.

While river cleanups alone won’t solve the flooding crisis, initiatives like Better Rivers PH are proving to be a vital part of the solution. Now on its fifth year, SMC’s Better Rivers PH program has removed over 8.5 million metric tons (and counting) of silt and solid waste from 10 major rivers across Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga and Laguna, among others.

While some critics questioned the sincerity of Ang’s pledge, the track record of Better Rivers PH speaks for itself. Beyond making promises, his commitment is rooted in continuing the work that has already made a difference.

The real question is: Who do we trust to lead the way forward? The individual and company that have quietly and consistently delivered results, or voices that criticize without offering solutions?

Moving forward, collaboration between the private sector and government will be essential. SMC’s initiative demonstrates how sustained, strategic partnerships can drive meaningful and positive change, not just in Metro Manila, but across flood-prone regions nationwide. Better Rivers PH is indeed a model for how business, government and communities can work together to build resilience, restore ecosystems, and protect lives and livelihoods.