San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has achieved another significant milestone in its ongoing fight against flooding in Luzon, completing an extensive cleanup of the Pampanga River. From mid-August to December, the company removed nearly 700,000 tons of silt and waste from 26.3 kilometers of the river, part of its “Better Rivers PH” initiative.
The project, led by SMC chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang, was carried out at no cost to taxpayers and has made a lasting impact on local ecosystems. By deepening the river’s channels and improving water flow, the cleanup has enhanced flood control and reduced the risk of flooding in nearby communities.
“The Pampanga River plays a vital role in water flow across Central Luzon. Cleaning it up was crucial to prevent overflows, especially in areas like Bulacan, which are downstream,” Ang said. The project also aims to improve water quality and marine ecosystems, in line with the company’s commitment to sustainability.
In Macabebe, Pampanga, vice mayor Vince Flores highlighted the local significance of the cleanup, noting that the dredging had made floodwaters recede faster, providing economic relief to the community. Some of the extracted silt has been repurposed for strengthening dikes and paving roads, further benefiting the local infrastructure.
This effort adds to SMC’s growing list of river restoration projects. Last year, the company completed the cleanup of the Bulacan River systems, removing over 4.31 million metric tons of silt and waste from 74.5 kilometers of waterways. With ongoing efforts, including improvements to the Pasig, Tullahan, and San Juan Rivers, SMC’s “Better Rivers PH” program has removed over 8.3 million metric tons of silt and waste across 156 kilometers of Philippine rivers.
Through this initiative, SMC continues to embody the Filipino value of malasakit, ensuring safer, cleaner waterways for future generations.
