SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION (SMC) President Ramon Ang on Wednesday launched a free dredging project in Laguna in time for the 48th birthday celebration of Governor Sol Aragones.
During a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing, Ang and Aragones formalized the partnership for the flood control initiative aimed at addressing the province’s long-standing problem with flooding.
According to SMC, more than P10 million worth of technical and financial assistance will be allotted for the project, which will be implemented at no cost to the provincial government.
Ang said SMC has been conducting dredging operations in major rivers in Laguna for several months now with the support of local government units.
“Kung mapapansin ninyo, ‘yung mga dumadaan ng SLEX, wala nang baha. Nahukay na kasi namin ang mga ilog sa tulong ng kooperasyon ng mga LGU. Within one year kaya naming linisin lahat,” Ang said.
Aragones lauded the initiative and said it offers reassurance to Laguna residents who have long been burdened by seasonal floods.
“Hindi lang ang baha ang tinanggal ni RSA kundi pati pangamba ng mga residente sa problema sa tuwing babaha, lalo na sa kaligtasan ng kanilang mga estudyanteng anak,” the governor said.
Also present was Rep. Arman Dimaguila, who is pushing for legislation to institutionalize dredging efforts and strengthen flood control programs.
Ang also urged the public to support the project by avoiding practices that worsen waterway obstruction.
“Wala pong bayad ito… Ang bayad lang po ni Governor sa akin ay cooperation, for the good of the people,” he said.
SMC assured that it will continue to collaborate with local governments, lawmakers, and communities to ensure the project’s sustainable implementation.
