SMC extends P1 billion cleanup of Tullahan River

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is extending the P1-billion cleanup of the Tullahan-Tinajeros river system to a total of 11.5 kilometers, close to halfway of the entire 27-kilometer stretch, to complement flood mitigation measures in the cities of Navotas, Malabon and Valenzuela.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has approved the company’s dredging plans for Sectors 4 and 5 of the river system, covering the length of the river from Tinajeros Bridge to Potrero in Malabon and Valenzuela, SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said yesterday.

The section represents an additional 6.3 kilometers of dredging area, in addition to the initial 5.25-km Sectors 1 to 3 from the Manila Bay in Navotas to Malabon, which the SMC had been working on.

“We are making all the necessary preparations to move into the next phase of the  river cleanup and flood management initiative. We’re investing in new equipment and hiring more people. We are committed to our advocacy of cleaning up major rivers and helping cities with flood mitigation measures,” Ang said.

“We thank the DPWH for approving our plans for this project, which will benefit Valenzuela and upstream portion of Malabon. As soon as we acquire the equipment, we will start work on these sections by early April, while simultaneously conducting dredging operations from Manila Bay to Tinajeros Bridge, or sectors one to three,” Ang added.

Aside from cleaning and increasing the depth of the river to accommodate more rainwater, especially during the rainy season, the DPWH has required the widening of portions of the river.

The SMC will be working closely with the local governments and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority flood control group to implement the project.

The company is looking to dredge a total of 1.5 million cubic meters of silty sand and solid waste for the five sectors of the river system.