Business groups back Ramon Ang’s flood control proposal for Metro Manila

Five of the country’s most influential business organizations have voiced support for San Miguel Corp. (SMC) President and CEO Ramon S. Ang’s offer to address flooding in Metro Manila at no cost to the government or the public.

In a joint statement, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), and Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) commended Ang for proposing to dredge rivers and unclog drains in the region.

“This is consistent with what we always say and do about private sector doing what it can to help government address issues, especially if these affect the business and trade communities,” the groups said.

The business groups emphasized that SMC’s resources and long history of corporate social responsibility projects could enable the successful implementation of the plan.

“Backed by huge internal resources built through the years and CSR programs and projects that benefit communities and the country in general, we are confident that SMC will be able to deliver this commitment that will have long lasting and positive impacts to the economy,” they added.

Ang recently reiterated SMC’s willingness to undertake the flood-control measures amid criticism that some of the company’s infrastructure projects were allegedly contributing to flooding in certain areas. He stressed that the company would only proceed with government authorization.

The organizations also underlined the importance of sustainable practices, including responsible waste management, as part of long-term efforts to reduce flooding.

“Compliance indeed makes a lot of business sense especially when taken in the context of flooding that has hounded our development and productivity in the recent decades,” the groups said.

The joint statement was signed by PCCI President Enunina Mangio, ECOP President Edgardo Lacson, PHILEXPORT President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., PFA Chairman Christopher Lim, and PRA President and CEO Roberto Claudio.