Solving a Crisis: Ramon Ang Takes the Lead in Addressing Flooding Issues
On a busy Thursday in August, San Miguel Corp.’s president and CEO, Ramon Ang, welcomed guests to the company’s headquarters in Mandaluyong City. The gathering included provincial governors, town mayors, government officials, and members of the media. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the recent severe flooding in Pampanga and Bulacan, particularly the impact on the North Luzon Expressway.
Some local officials had been blaming San Miguel for the flooding, pointing to the firm’s airport project along Bulacan’s Manila Bay shoreline. However, Ramon Ang explained that these accusations were unfounded. He presented maps from the National Mapping and Resource Information Agency and the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources, showing that the airport project site was already solid land surrounded by water channels.
Ang clarified that the real problem causing flooding in the area was the siltation of the rivers in Pampanga and Bulacan. Due to the accumulation of silt deposits, the rivers had become shallow and less able to carry water. Even a small amount of rain could cause them to overflow, leading to flooding.
Taking the initiative, Ramon Ang announced that San Miguel would undertake the dredging of rivers and clearing of waterways in Pampanga and Bulacan. This task, which normally falls under the government’s responsibility, would be funded by the conglomerate. Ang highlighted San Miguel’s previous success in dredging and cleaning up the Pasig, Tullahan, and San Juan Rivers, removing millions of tons of waste and silt.
While this endeavor would be costly, San Miguel’s financial statements and recent performance demonstrate its ability to fund such projects. The conglomerate is the country’s largest with a record-breaking P1.5 trillion in total sales across its operating units last year. Additionally, San Miguel’s four-runway airport project in Bulacan, valued at P740 billion, is the largest infrastructure investment ever made in the Philippines.
In addition to the airport project, San Miguel is also constructing the Mass Rail Transit, Line 7, and an elevated toll highway along the Manila Bay shoreline. These developments aim to improve transportation and connectivity for the public.
Ramon Ang emphasized that the additional P3 billion investment in flood mitigation is a small price to pay compared to the benefits it will bring to the affected communities. Despite not being directly responsible for the task, San Miguel is committed to fulfilling it for the betterment of the country.
By taking the lead in solving the crisis, Ramon Ang and San Miguel Corp. demonstrate their dedication to addressing environmental issues and ensuring the well-being of the communities they serve.
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