Business groups rally behind Ramon Ang’s Metro Manila flood plan

Insider Spotlight

• Philippine business groups endorse San Miguel Corp.’s flood control initiative.
• FFCCCII cites Ang’s “nation-building” approach and proven track record.
• Project backed as private-sector philanthropy with lasting economic impact.

Major Philippine business groups have declared support for San Miguel Corp. (SMC) President and CEO Ramon Ang’s plan to undertake flood control projects in Metro Manila at no cost to the government. The endorsements underline confidence in the private sector’s capacity to tackle long-standing national problems.

Driving the news:

In a joint statement over the weekend, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation (PHILEXPORT), Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), and Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) praised Ang’s initiative, describing it as consistent with private sector efforts to assist government in addressing challenges that affect business and trade.

“Backed by huge internal resources built through the years and CSR programs and projects that benefit communities and the country in general, we are confident that SMC will be able to deliver this commitment that will have long lasting and positive impacts to the economy,” the groups said.

What they’re saying:

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), through its president Victor Lim, issued a separate statement supporting Ang’s initiative, calling it a “remarkable act of corporate philanthropy” and a “transformative commitment to safeguarding our capital’s communities, securing livelihoods, and fortifying the region’s economic vitality.”

Lim highlighted Ang’s track record in complex infrastructure projects such as the Skyway system and the recent operational improvements at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“Our confidence in Mr. Ang’s capacity to deliver on this monumental undertaking for Metro Manila is unequivocal and firmly rooted in his demonstrable legacy of transformative leadership.”

Why it matters:

Flooding in Metro Manila has long undermined productivity and quality of life. Business leaders argue that sustainable flood management directly supports economic resilience and competitiveness.

“We then reiterate that we are one with the government and every Filipino citizen in this journey to achieve a flood-free Philippines towards a better quality of life and a resilient, sustainable, and progressive economy.”

The bottom line:

Both PCCI and FFCCCII stressed that private sector-led initiatives can play a catalytic role in solving systemic challenges.

As Lim put it: “When government strategically partners with dedicated private sector philanthropists and innovators, accelerated social progress and national development become achievable realities.”

— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas