ARAGONES and Ang (FB)
San Miguel Corp. has signed a memorandum of agreement with the provincial government of Laguna to expand its ongoing river cleanup and restoration to reduce flooding in the province.
The agreement, signed by SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang and Gov. Marisol “Sol” Aragones on Friday, integrates SMC’s five-year-old Better Rivers PH initiative into Laguna’s flood-mitigation plan.
Ang said the project will not only improve water quality but also enhance river capacity to carry rainwater and runoff to Laguna de Bay.
He noted, however, that addressing flooding in coastal towns will also require the national government’s long-planned underground spillway connecting Laguna Lake to Manila Bay.
“We are grateful to Gov. Sol and to all our government partners for the trust you have given us,” said Ang. “We will make sure that what we start today will bring lasting change for Laguna and its communities.”
Under the agreement, SMC will clean and restore major river systems in Biñan, Cabuyao, San Pedro, and Santa Rosa City, including their tributaries, to their natural depth and width to improve water flow into Laguna de Bay. The company will shoulder all costs of dredging, fuel, logistics, and labor.