San Miguel Corp. Pledges P500 Million for School Construction as Part of Nation-Building Efforts

As San Miguel Corp. (SMC) celebrates its 133rd anniversary, tycoon Ramon Ang is making a significant commitment to nation-building by expanding the conglomerate's role beyond business. In a heartfelt homecoming to Tondo, Manila, where he grew up, Ang pledged P500 million on the spot to assist the local government in constructing schools to benefit students in the impoverished district.

The generous donation was announced during the unveiling ceremony of the latest Better World Community Center, a sprawling 3,700-square meter facility located near the former Smokey Mountain landfill. This center, known as Better World Smokey Mountain, is the fifth community center established by SMC through its San Miguel Foundation (SMF). These centers serve as vital learning and skills development hubs, benefiting 2,500 families, or approximately 12,500 individuals, from historically underserved communities in Tondo.

Ramon Ang's vision extends beyond the Better World Community Center. SMC's ambitious goal is to uplift the lives of 15 million Filipinos by 2030. Recognizing the widening skills gap in disadvantaged communities as a significant challenge in the country, Ang is determined to provide essential skills, nurture a growth mindset, and inspire a brighter future for the residents of Tondo.

During the center's launch, Ramon Ang was visibly moved by the sight of children benefiting from the facility. In a spontaneous and heartfelt gesture, he pledged the initial P500 million donation to Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna to support the construction of more school facilities in the City of Manila. Ang's act of gratitude to his childhood community emphasizes the importance of perseverance and education in achieving success.

SMC has been steadfast in its commitment to becoming a responsible corporate citizen. This year, the company unveiled its new group vision and purpose statement, emphasizing its role in nation-building and its dedication to sustainability. SMC has set ambitious goals, including uplifting the lives of 15 million Filipinos by 2030, implementing a circular economy approach by 2040, achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and establishing a fully sustainable and ethically sound supply chain by 2040.

The Better World community centers, initiated in 2019, exemplify SMC's efforts to address various societal issues such as hunger, healthcare access, education, and women's empowerment. Collaborating with non-government organizations, including AHA Learning Center, Upskills Foundations Inc., Project Pearls, Sandiwaan Center for Learning Inc., and Tulay sa Pag-Unlad Inc., SMC has developed diverse skills programs to uplift and empower families across different communities.

As SMC marks its 133rd anniversary, Ramon Ang's commitment to nation-building stands as a testament to the conglomerate's dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of Filipinos, fostering sustainable development, and contributing to the nation's prosperity.