SMC leads monumental river cleanup, removing 6 million metric tons of waste

By: Miguel R. Camus

April 27, 2024

2:04PM PHT

Tycoon Ramon Ang-led San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has reached a significant milestone as it removed six million metric tons of waste from various river systems in Metro Manila and nearby areas, including a recent haul of over 3 million tons from Bulacan’s rivers.

SMC, which is developing a P740 billion airport city in Bulacan, ramped up cleanup efforts in the flood-prone rivers in Meycauayan, Obando, Bulakan, Bocaue, Marilao, Balagtas, and Guiguinto,

In a comprehensive cleanup drive that began in 2020, SMC has cleared nearly 1.2 million metric tons from the Pasig River, 1.1 million from the Tullahan River, and 320,000 from the San Juan River.

SMC is also preparing to clean up 26 kilometres of the heavily silted Pampanga River, which also flows down to Bulacan.

This has been identified as a major cause of flooding in both provinces and other nearby areas.

"After four years of continuous effort, we are as determined and committed as ever to continue this advocacy, that has had a positive impact on people, local economies, and our environment,” said Ang, the president of SMC. "We are also very proud of the hard work and dedication of our river cleanup teams. Their commitment to our advocacy and to the communities, has resulted in the removal of over 6 million tons of wastes and silt to date and covered close to 100 kilometers,” Ang added.

About the author

Miguel R. Camus

Miguel R. Camus has been a reporter covering various domestic business topics since 2009.