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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider QC gov't partners with SMC for major flood control, river rehabilitation projects

QC gov't partners with SMC for major flood control, river rehabilitation projects

Published Aug 27, 2025 03:26 pm
The Quezon City government signed a partnership with San Miguel Corporation (SMC) on Tuesday, August 26, for large-scale river cleanup and rehabilitation projects in the city.
Mayor Joy Belmonte and SMC officials signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to expand the company’s Better Rivers PH program, incorporating key waterways in Quezon City, specifically the San Juan and Tullahan Rivers, as well as other tributaries identified by the local government.
“Lahat ng bagay ay gumagaan kapag pinagtutulungan. Together, we are multiplying our impact and we can set a new standard for public-private collaboration that builds the foundation for a more resilient city and a life of dignity for every QCitizen and every Filipino,” Mayor Belmonte said.
Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina ‘Joy’ G. Belmonte and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang (third and fourth from left, respectively) flash their agreement to undertake river cleanups and other flood control solutions in the city. They are joined by (from left) City Engineer Mark Dale Diamond P. Perral, City Administrator Michael Victor N. Alimurung, Atty. Cynthia M. de Castro, SMC Assistant Vice President for Government Affairs, and Mr. Jimmy O. Lu, VP and Overall Project Manager of SMC's Better Rivers PH initiative, who witnessed the signing of thememorandum of agreement on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at the SMC head office in Mandaluyong City.
Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina ‘Joy’ G. Belmonte and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang (third and fourth from left, respectively) flash their agreement to undertake river cleanups and other flood control solutions in the city. They are joined by (from left) City Engineer Mark Dale Diamond P. Perral, City Administrator Michael Victor N. Alimurung, Atty. Cynthia M. de Castro, SMC Assistant Vice President for Government Affairs, and Mr. Jimmy O. Lu, VP and Overall Project Manager of SMC's Better Rivers PH initiative, who witnessed the signing of thememorandum of agreement on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at the SMC head office in Mandaluyong City.
Under the agreement, SMC will undertake dredging and widening operations, deploy barges and trucks, and establish improved systems for the removal and collection of debris and silt to restore the natural flow of water.
“For five years now, we have been cleaning rivers because we want to help solve the flooding problem,” SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang said.
“We don’t profit from this work, and none of the dredged material is ever used for our projects. This is about doing our part for our communities,” he added.
These efforts aim to increase the rainwater carrying capacity of rivers and reduce flooding in low-lying communities.
SMC will also extend its earlier cleanup of the Tullahan River—where it removed over 1.1 million metric tons of silt and waste between 2020 and 2022—up to La Mesa Dam, ensuring a more comprehensive rehabilitation effort.
The company has also committed to assisting the city in exploring advanced waste management technologies that can provide long-term solutions to flooding and environmental challenges.
The Quezon City government noted that this initiative is aligned with its priority programs on climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and sustainable urban development.

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