Conglomerate San Miguel Corp. has extended the monthly cash assistance for fisherfolk families affected by the continued development of its airport project in Bulacan, bringing close to 2,000 the beneficiaries of its P500-million program for fisherfolk in Cavite.
San Miguel Aerocity Inc., the conglomerate’s airport unit, launched the financial assistance program as a follow up to its monthly food supply initiative for over 8,000 fisherfolk families from Rosario, Tanza, Naic and Ternate towns.
This is part of SMC’s commitment to manage its social and environmental impact consistent with the strict performance standards set by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for its New Manila International Airport project to be constructed in Bulakan, Bulacan.
Under the program, some 5,000 fisherfolk families will each receive a monthly financial assistance of P5,000 until the company’s operation in the area is completed by 2024.
Some 1,074 fisherfolk families from Tanza and 658 fishing boat owners were initially identified as eligible beneficiaries based on both third-party surveys and a selection and validation process by local officials and leaders of local fishermen’s groups.
SMAI’s separate Social Development Management Program include garment production and soap-making, scholarships for children of fisherfolk, and construction-based training in tandem with the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA).
“We are constantly in touch with local government officials, and concerned national agencies to ensure that all needed measures and assistance for affected fisherfolk communities are implemented immediately and consistently during our operations, and with further emphasis on mitigating the impacts to the immediate environment during and even after our operations,” Ramon S. Ang, San Miguel president and CEO, said.
The company will also implement programs to employ affected communities or their family members at the airport project.
The company is also tapping a third-party organization that, in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, will look for ways to improve fish yield from the shoal. This is to help raise the volume of catch from the area following the completion of dredging activities.
Of the companies that operate at the San Nicolas Shoal, only SMAI has so far undertaken food and cash support initiatives as well as programs to rehabilitate areas of affected communities following sand extraction activities.
