Ang trumpets SMC’s gains in sustainability, environment

November 5, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The investments of conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) for the environment are bearing fruits, making its chairman and CEO Ramon Ang proud of the group’s recent achievements.

Ang shared in a social media post that SMC’s BetterRiversPH initiative has removed eight million tons of silt and waste from 136 kilometers of rivers across Luzon as of October.

This covered major rivers like the Tullahan, Pasig and San Juan as well as waterways in Bulacan and Laguna.

According to Ang, the group has also recently expanded to the Pampanga River, clearing 500,000 tons of debris to help reduce flooding locally and downstream.

He said that the waste collected from the extensive river cleanup is sent to accredited facilities of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for proper handling.

“Our teams also revisit previously cleared rivers, like the Tullahan, Pasig and San Juan to manage new buildup from recent rains. This is an ongoing effort and we each have a role to play,” Ang said.

SMC’s BetterRiversPH was launched in 2020 and is funded by the company.

Aside from the river cleanup initiative, Ang said that he is also proud that the group’s “Saribuhay sa Dampalit” project in Bulacan has been named as one of Asia-Pacific’s 25 Steward Leadership Excellence awardees by the Stewardship Asia Center.

He said the pioneering 47-hectare biodiversity offset site is a key component of SMC’s holistic vision for the New Manila International Airport project.

In addition, he said that it is part of the group’s commitment to balancing economic progress with environmental care.

Ang said the project serves as a sanctuary for migratory shorebirds, while also creating livelihood opportunities for local communities and offering natural solutions to flooding.

“This recognition underscores SMC Group’s phased, strategic approach to sustainability. For us, progress and environmental stewardship go hand in hand, and every action, big or small, moves us closer to a better future for all,” he said.