Tollroads operated and managed by conglomerate San Miguel Corporation (SMC) remain business as usual and flood-free despite the heavy downpour caused by Typhoon Kristine.
In a statement on Thursday, Oct. 24, SMC said that it placed a quick response team on heightened alert to provide assistance to motorists after it observed isolated rainfall along its expressway network, including South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), STAR Tollway, the Skyway System, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).
“Since the onset of Tropical Storm Kristine, our teams have observed isolated rain along our expressway network at different times, and water immediately flowed out of the carriageway through our drainage system,” SMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang said.
“In the previous months, we have instructed our maintenance teams to ensure our outfalls are clear of any debris and garbage so that any amount of rainwater can drain fast," he added.
Aside from clearing drainage systems, Ang said the company’s river cleanup initiative called Better Rivers PH also contributed to increasing the carrying capacity of the San Isidro River in San Pedro City, Laguna, where a significant portion of floodwaters from SLEX drains.
The river cleanup program was said to have cleaned nearly 8 million cubic meters of garbage and silt from over 132 kilometers of waterways since 2020 and helped reduce flood risk in nearby cities and towns.
At present, the river cleanup teams are focusing on cleaning the Pampanga River, waterways in Biñan City, Laguna; Navotas City, and around the Ninoy Aquino International Airport area.
SMC reminded the public to dispose of their garbage properly, as it clogs drains and waterways, leading to flooding.
Motorists needing assistance along SMC expressways may call the following hotlines: SLEX Hotline: 09176877539; TPLEX Hotline: 09178880715; STAR Hotlines: 09175117827 / 043-7567870; Skyway Hotline: 02-53188655.