SMC river cleanup clears silt, waste to strengthen flood defenses

Insider Spotlight

• San Miguel Corp. has removed more than 116,000 metric tons of silt and waste from the San Juan River
• This improves water flow, reduce flood risks across San Juan, Manila, Mandaluyong, and Quezon City
• Its Better Rivers PH program has now rehabilitated 201.27 kilometers of waterways and removed 9.3 million metric tons of waste and silt

San Miguel Corp. said it is nearing the completion of its maintenance cleanup of the San Juan River after removing more than 116,000 metric tons of waste and silt over the past 10 months, part of its continuing effort to reduce flooding in Metro Manila communities.

The cleanup covered 6.1 kilometers of the river, stretching from its junction with the Pasig River to Talayan in Quezon City.

In a statement on Friday, July 17, 2026, the country's largest conglomerate said the work is intended to sustain improvements achieved during its earlier rehabilitation project from 2022 to 2024, when about 322,000 metric tons of waste and silt were removed across the river’s entire 7.6-kilometer length.  

Why it matters

The San Juan River passes through several densely populated cities that are prone to flooding during heavy rains. Keeping the river free of accumulated silt and garbage helps improve water flow and drainage capacity, supporting broader government flood mitigation efforts.  

“Regular maintenance clean-ups are a key component of our Better Rivers PH initiative. Even if we have restored rivers to their natural depth, flow, and water-carrying capacity, improper waste disposal can aggravate silt buildup,” San Miguel CEO Ramon Ang said.

“At no cost to the government and in coordination with local authorities, we will continue to monitor and ensure that these waterways are cleared of obstructions so they can carry floodwaters efficiently, especially during the rainy season,” he added.  

Ramon Ang

The San Miguel CEO says cleanup work on Metro Manila's rivers will continue despite the progress already made.

The bigger picture

San Miguel said the maintenance work supports the government’s flood control initiatives, including the Department of Public Works and Highways’ Oplan Kontra Baha program launched last year. 

The company also expanded its Better Rivers PH initiative to the Visayas last month by deploying dredging teams to restore a four-kilometer stretch of the Butuanon River in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Maintenance operations are also underway at the Tullahan River, Bulacan River System, and Laguna rivers, while rehabilitation continues in the Parañaque, Las Piñas, Alabang, Tabang, and Tanza river systems. 

Overall, San  Miguel said its river rehabilitation initiative has restored 201.27 kilometers of waterways and removed 9.3 million metric tons of waste and silt over the past six years. — Daxim L. Lucas| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma