A joint river rehabilitation initiative by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) is significantly easing flooding in areas around the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and parts of Paranaque City, offering both environmental and public benefits.
The cleanup, led by SMC through its Better Rivers PH program and supported by NNIC, has cleared around 225,000 metric tons of garbage and silt from 4.8 kilometers of river channels and waterways as of 12 July. Major sections cleaned include the Parañaque River, Don Galo River, Villanueva Creek, and San Dionisio Creek.
The project has increased water-carrying capacity and improved outflow to Manila Bay, especially in areas previously choked by years of waste buildup. SMC also reported clearing natural flood drains and key drainage along Domestic Road and NAIA Road, critical access points to the airport.
The timing is crucial as the rainy season heightens flood risks. SMC chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang said the results are already being felt: “Despite the recent heavy rains, no major flooding was observed near the airport, and no passenger delays were reported.”
Local officials lauded the effort. Councilman Jomar Trixie Valencia of Barangay Sto. Niño noted faster water subsidence, while Barangay Captain Johnny Co urged residents to support cleanup efforts by ending improper waste disposal.
Since its 2020 launch, Better Rivers PH has removed nearly 8.5 million tons of waste from over 161 kilometers of waterways in and around Metro Manila, at no cost to the government. The initiative is conducted in coordination with the DENR, DPWH, and local governments as part of SMC’s sustainability agenda.
“As we continue our cleanup, we call on the public to help keep our rivers clean,” Ang said. “Maintaining flood-free communities is a shared responsibility.”
