Business groups — Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), and the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) — throw their support to the proposal of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) through its Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang to address flooding in Metro Manila at no cost to the government or the public.
“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. 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,” said the joint statement.
At the same time, the business groups expressed concern about environment degradation where each Filipino can contribute to make a difference. Believing in sustainable development, they said their organizations had been working with government and private sector partners to help promote responsible waste management in their communities and among their member-companies.
We then reiterate that we are one with the government and every Fili”pino citizen in this journey to achieve a flood-free Philippines towards a better quality of life and a resilient, sustainable, and progressive economy,” the groups concluded.
It could be recalled that SMC Chairman Ang offered his company’s assistance but said he cannot proceed with the cleanup drive of the Metro’s waterways without government authorization.
Ang then issued an appeal to the mayors to make his plans a reality, saying in Filipino that “We will do the cleaning, but without your authorization, we can’t proceed.”
Ang’s proposal include clearing waste and removing structures, including riverside homes, that obstruct the flow of water to drains and creeks. But, he also highlighted the importance of ensuring proper relocation for displaced residents.
