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San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has cleared over 9.12 million metric tons of silt and debris from major waterways in the Philippines since 2020. Under the Better Rivers PH program, this initiative aims to mitigate flooding without government expense. Recently, 1.04 million metric tons were cleared from the Tullahan, San Juan, Laguna, and Bulacan river systems.

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Since 2020, SMC has focused on cleaning 10 major river systems across 188.48 kilometers. The program aligns with the government’s Oplan Kontra Baha and emphasizes ongoing maintenance to sustain progress. SMC’s recent efforts in Bulacan removed the largest volume at 710,168 metric tons, highlighting its commitment to flood prevention.

SMC Chairman Ramon S. Ang stresses the importance of sustained upkeep and community cooperation to maintain the waterways' capacity. Improved water flow and quality have been observed, but Ang calls for public participation through proper waste management practices to ensure long-term success.

Moving forward, SMC will continue its cleanup operations and collaborate with communities to enhance the effectiveness of its flood mitigation efforts.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Manila Bulletin · 30 Apr 2026

Interesting to read this when it's the Bulacan area where there have allegedly been ghost flood prevention projects where no money got spent on flood prevention.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1256889

"but Ang calls for public participation through proper waste management practices to ensure long-term success."

In the slums of Manila? Good luck....