SMC says 8-M tons of river waste removed across Luzon river systems
CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. (SMC) said it has removed eight million tons of silt and waste from 136 kilometers of river systems in Luzon, with plans to revisit previously cleared areas following the recent heavy rains.
The cleanup initiative, launched in 2020, covered waterways such as the Tullahan, Pasig, and San Juan rivers, as well as those in Bulacan, Pampanga, and Laguna.
SMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang said the conglomerate’s river cleanup teams will return to the Tullahan, Pasig, and San Juan rivers after heavy rains led to renewed silt buildup and waste accumulation.
“River cleanups are a continuous effort. Heavy rains bring eroded soil, and improper disposal continues to be a challenge. Maintenance is very important to make sure these rivers continue to flow freely,”Mr. Ang said in an emailed statement over the weekend.
Meanwhile, SMC said its cleanup initiative has removed 506,616 tons of silt and waste from Pampanga River. The company has covered 8.15 kilometers of the river since August.
The river is a major source of flooding in Pampanga and Bulacan.
SMC said its teams are also cleaning rivers in Biñan, Laguna, and around the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, while also clearing its drainage system. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
