MANILA — On World Water Day, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) announced remarkable achievements in its commitment to water sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Under its flagship program, “Water for All,” SMC reported a record-breaking water savings of 7.5 billion liters in 2023, marking the highest conservation level achieved in five years.
This milestone contributes significantly to the company’s cumulative water savings, now totaling an impressive 41.3 billion liters over the program’s seven-year duration – an amount equivalent to the monthly consumption of 1.3 million households.
Simultaneously, SMC showcased substantial progress in its extensive river cleanup initiatives across Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
Led by SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang, the corporation’s relentless efforts have resulted in the removal of 5.5 million metric tons of silt and solid waste from 85 kilometers of critical waterways.
These efforts encompass the restoration of prominent rivers such as the Tullahan, Pasig, San Juan, and Bulacan rivers, alongside watercourses in Laguna and Navotas.
Ramon S. Ang emphasized the paramount importance of water conservation and pollution mitigation, stating, “Water issues have long been a major priority for us.”
He lauded the integral role played by SMC employees in driving these initiatives forward and expressed gratitude for their dedication to water sustainability advocacies, including the reduction of scarce water usage and the rehabilitation of polluted rivers to aid in flood mitigation.
The company’s internal water savings primarily stem from the increased utilization of alternative water sources such as seawater, recycled water, and rainwater. Ang highlighted various measures undertaken by SMC businesses to enhance water efficiency, ranging from infrastructure upgrades to investments in advanced technologies like desalination.
Petron Corporation, a subsidiary of SMC specializing in fuel and oils, emerged as a key contributor to scarce water savings, leveraging a water desalination facility. In 2023 alone, Petron achieved a remarkable water saving of 3.5 billion liters, adding to its cumulative total of 20.8 billion liters over seven years. San Miguel Global Power and Ginebra San Miguel Inc. followed suit, making significant contributions to the overall water savings.
Furthermore, various SMC subsidiaries, including San Miguel Foods, San Miguel Brewery Inc., San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corp., SMC Infrastructure, Northern Cement Corp., and San Miguel Properties, have actively participated in water conservation efforts, collectively contributing to the company’s overarching sustainability goals.
Since its inception in 2017, the “Water for All” program has expanded to encompass newer facilities, monitoring water usage across 96 SMC establishments nationwide. Notably, SMC’s commitment to sustainability led to the discontinuation of its plastic bottled water business in 2017, signaling a strategic shift towards reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental responsibility.
In recent years, SMC embarked on ambitious river cleanup initiatives, beginning with a P1-billion effort to revitalize the Tullahan River in 2020. Subsequent endeavors focused on the rehabilitation of the Pasig River, culminating in the successful removal of nearly 1.2 million metric tons of silt and waste in 2023.
Currently, the cleanup efforts have extended to Bulacan province, targeting rivers prone to flooding during the rainy season. SMC’s endeavors in Bulacan have already resulted in the removal of 2.6 million tons of silt and waste, underscoring the company’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and community welfare.
(el Amigo/MNM)
SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang, Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III, Pangasinan Vice Governor Mark Ronald D.G Lambino, and Congressman Ramon N. Guico, Jr. lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pangasinan Link Expressway (P-LEX). This 76.80-km project, fully funded by SMC, will connect the eastern and western sides of the province, making transportation more efficient and boosting economic activity. The P-LEX will also connect to the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), providing a seamless link to the future New Manila International Airport in Bulacan.
MANILA — San Miguel Corporation (SMC), in partnership with the Pangasinan Provincial Government, has initiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the much-anticipated Pangasinan Link Expressway (P-LEX) at a site spanning Binalonan and Laoac towns.
The project is seen to further unlock the province’s economic potential through improved accessibility and mobility.
SMC President and CEO, Ramon S. Ang, described the 76.80-km expressway project as a game-changer for Pangasinan that is seen to boost local industries, agriculture, and tourism by linking the province’s eastern and western corridors.
“The P-LEX project affirms SMC’s affinity with and deep commitment to Pangasinan. We believe in the bigger potential of the province and its people, and that is why we continue to invest here. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership, and with the help and support of the provincial government, creating more jobs, livelihood, and business opportunities in the province,” he added.
The project is structured in two phases, with the first phase linking Binalonan to Lingayen, the provincial capital. This phase is subdivided into three segments — a 6.90-km section from Binalonan to Manaoag, an 11.30-km stretch from Manaoag to Calasiao, and a 22.17-km passage from Calasiao to Lingayen, along with a 2.39-km spur road in Calasiao. Phase 2 of the project will be a demand-driven expansion to Alaminos, Pangasinan.
P-LEX will connect to the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) at the Binalonan exit, providing direct access to the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan.
Ang reassured that the construction of P-LEX would incur no costs for the provincial government, committing to timely completion pending the acquisition of the necessary right of way.
“The Provincial Government will also receive a substantial share of the project’s earnings, which it can use to provide more social services to our kababayans,” Ang said.
He thanked the Pangasinan provincial government led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III and Vice Governor Mark Ronald D.G. Lambino, for the opportunity to work together on the P-LEX project.
“This collaboration between the Provincial Government of Pangasinan and the private sector is proof that when people work together toward a common goal, anything is possible,” Ang said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
San Miguel Corporation’s infrastructure unit is gearing up for possible heavy traffic buildup along its major expressways starting October 27, Friday evening through the extended weekend, in anticipation of the mass exodus of Filipinos to provinces for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, and the “Undas” holidays.
SMC Infrastructure advised motorists to plan their trips ahead of the upcoming extended holidays and to anticipate heavier vehicle volumes along its tollways, the South Luzon Expressway, (SLEX), Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), the Skyway System, NAIA Expressway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).
This is as the government declared Oct. 30 a special non-working day for the elections with Nov. 1 and 2 being the traditional observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ days.
“This is in anticipation of heavy traffic volume, particularly motorists heading out of Metro Manila. In support of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) ‘Oplan Biyaheng Ayos’, which aims to provide our countrymen smooth and safe travels, SMC Infrastructure is putting in place a multitude of mitigating measures to help make motorists’ journeys more manageable and safe,” the company said in a statement.
“We have coordinated our traffic management plans with the Toll Regulatory Board, local government units, the police, the Land Transportation Office, and other agencies. Emergency services such as fire trucks, ambulances, and towing trucks have also been readied and are on standby to provide immediate assistance to distressed motorists,” the company added.
All roadworks and related activities that could contribute to traffic flow in expressways, toll plazas, and exits, will also be suspended starting noon on Oct. 27 and will resume at 10:00 PM on Nov. 5, it further said.
The company is also mobilizing additional patrollers and toll personnel at exits and toll plazas where traffic is expected to be heavy.
To further minimize possible causes of delays at the tollways, SMC Infrastructure reminds motorists to make sure their Autosweep accounts have sufficient load, and to have their cards ready in their vehicles should these be needed.
The company also cited other ways motorists can contribute to faster, safer travel along the expressways. These include avoiding tailgating at exit lanes so RFID readers can scan vehicle tags properly; ensuring vehicles are roadworthy before traveling, observing all traffic rules, especially speed limits, and wearing seatbelts at all times.
The company also said that motorists who might encounter emergencies or vehicle trouble can stop and use lay-bys or seek assistance at selected Petron stations.
Distressed motorists could call the following hotlines should they need assistance at the expressways:
o SLEX Hotline: 09176877539
o TPLEX Hotline: 09178880715
o STAR Hotlines: 09175117827 / 043-7567870
o Skyway Hotline: 02-53188655
(ai/mnm)
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and the local government unit (LGU) of Pangasinan signed on Thursday (19 Oct 2023) a toll concession and joint venture agreement (JVA) for the 76.80-kilometer Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) project.
The project, which will begin at the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) exit in Binalonan, is part of SMC’s larger plan to strengthen the road networks in Central and Northern Luzon.
This development also aims to create a seamless link to the soon-to-be-launched New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan, set to be the Philippines’ premier international gateway.
PLEX will consist of two phases: Phase 1 will extend 42.76 km. from TPLEX to Lingayen, while Phase 2 will extend all the way to Alaminos, Pangasinan.
At the sidelines of the formal signing ceremony in Pangasinan, SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang said: “We are grateful to the Pangasinan provincial government for their passion and commitment to boost Pangasinense life through this landmark project. More than just building a major infrastructure project, we have an opportunity to improve the lives of so many of our countrymen here.”
He added: “With PLEX connecting to other infrastructure such as TPLEX, which will support access to the NMIA, this project will significantly benefit Pangasinan’s local industries, home-grown products, and agricultural sector. At the same time, the rich history, culture, and cuisine of the province will be even more accessible to more Filipinos.”
Phase 1 of PLEX will be split into three segments: the first 6.90-km section from Binalonan to Manaoag, followed by an 11.30-km section from Manaoag to Calasiao, and the third segment, the 22.17-km section from Calasiao to Lingayen.
A 2.39-km spur road will also be built in Calasiao.
Meanwhile, Phase 2 of the project will be a demand-driven expansion all the way to Alaminos, Pangasinan.
Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III lauded the partnership, underscoring the project’s role in helping spur economic activity in the province and unlocking growth in different parts of Pangasinan.
“Through the PLEX, we shall have a very systematic approach in navigating Pangasinan, creating a roadmap never before imagined possible for our province,” said Guico III, adding that Phase 1 of the project would reduce travel time from Binalonan to Lingayen to just 20-30 minutes from the current 1 hour 30 to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
“PLEX is one of the most important projects, a game-changer for Pangasinan and for this administration. This is because it is envisioned to reinvent the transportation and enrich the tourism landscape; prioritize accessibility of citizens to major towns and cities, magnify business and livelihood opportunities, multiply economic activity, build more infrastructure, and protect the environment,” he added.
For his part, Vice-Governor Mark Lambino said: “The forging of the agreements will finally set in motion what many of us dreamed of–a better, safer road network not only in Pangasinan but the entire Ilocos region…. We express our gratitude to San Miguel Corporation led by its visionary president and chief executive officer Mr. Ramon S. Ang for extending his hand to enter into this joint venture agreement with Pangasinan.”
“This agreement is a historic collaboration and a testament to our shared commitment to nation-building,” Lambino added.
Beyond connectivity, PLEX is set to bridge the province’s east and west corridors, stimulating economic activity. SMC will shoulder the construction costs, with zero expense for national or provincial governments. Furthermore, the LGU is poised to receive a substantial share of the project’s earnings.
This endeavor is seen to fuel growth for Pangasinan’s micro and small businesses, offering increased job opportunities for locals. (ai/mnm)
Inline imageSan Miguel Corporation President and CEO Ramon S. Ang (with cap) shakes the hand of Pangasinan Gov. Ramon Guico III after signing the joint venture and toll concession agreement for the Pangasinan Link Expressway, a 76.8 km. that would link the western corridor of the province to its eastern side. Once operational, travel time from TPLEX Binalonan to Lingayen, the province’s capital, will be drastically reduced to 30 minutes from 90 minutes, which Guico described as a “game changer” for the province.
SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang leads the launch of Better World Smokey Mountain in Tondo. This is the fifth Better World Community Center of SMC.
Marking its 133rd anniversary, San Miguel Corporation (SMC), through its San Miguel Foundation (SMF), has unveiled the latest and largest addition to its Better World Community Centers — a 3,700 sq.m facility near the former Smokey Mountain landfill that will serve as a learning and skills development center for 2,500 families or roughly 12,500 individuals from the historically underserved communities in Tondo.
Dubbed Better World Smokey Mountain, the center has 39 modern classrooms spread across four levels. It is part of SMC’s ambitious goal to uplift the lives of 15 million Filipinos by 2030.
“As we celebrate San Miguel’s 133rd anniversary, our commitment to nation-building and in helping uplift the lives of more Filipinos is as strong as ever. And today, a critical challenge in our country is the widening skills gap in our disadvantaged communities, which hinders the progress of many of our kababayans,” said SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang.
“Our goal is to equip our Tondo beneficiaries with essential skills, and instill in them a growth mindset, and a vision of a brighter future. By providing these families the opportunity to upskill, we hope to ultimately boost their income levels, decrease unemployment, elevate overall living standards, and help them realize inter-generational change.”
At the center’s launch Friday, Ang, who grew up in Tondo, was visibly moved upon seeing the children beneficiaries at the facility. On the spot, he announced to Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna a P500-million initial donation to help build more school facilities in the City of Manila.
He added that this was in gratitude to the city where he grew up, and further encouraged children from poor families to persevere and study well because, like him, they too can succeed in life.
SMC has been working with partners to boost skills training and entrepreneurship all over the country as part of its overall approach to nation-building which includes investing in critical, job-generating industries that are seen to boost both local and national economies.
Just last August, Ang announced the expansion of a years-long program with the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) that will provide skills training for the disadvantaged, and even displaced workers, returning OFWs, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, in more provinces all over the country.
SMC started building Better World community centers in 2019 to address various societal issues — hunger, access to healthcare, education, and women empowerment, among others —at the ground level together with different non-government organizations.
For BWSM, SMC is working with AHA Learning Center, Upskills+ Foundations Inc., Project Pearls, Sandiwaan Center for Learning Inc., and Tulay sa Pag-Unlad Inc. These organizations have helped develop various programs to meet the diverse needs of families in the community.
These include academic support to help bridge learning gaps among elementary students; essential life skills training for high school students; vocational training opportunities for out-of-school youth and unemployed mothers; women-empowerment programs; teacher training and support; and specialized sessions in music, arts, dance, and digital creativity, led by accomplished industry professionals.
Families can become members by contributing “sweat equity”, which includes helping in the facility’s upkeep and engaging in various community activities.
Even families already benefiting from similar services provided by other organizations are encouraged to join.
BWSM is the fifth Better World Community Center of SMC.
Thus far, 2023 has been a significant year for SMC. Following the pandemic years, the company has marked numerous milestones, including the development of major projects, seen to boost the Philippines’ growth, development, and future readiness.
Reflecting its greater role in nation-building, SMC has also launched its new Group vision–“A resilient and globally-competitive Philippines where everyone can enrich and enjoy their lives”– and purpose statement: “To lead in nation-building by creating opportunities that will uplift generations of Filipinos, allowing all to share in the rewards of sustainable development and prosperity”.
More significantly, the company has also doubled down on its strong commitment to sustainability, declaring four major goals: uplift the lives of at least 15 million Filipinos by 2030; implement a circular economy approach by 2040; achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and establish a fully sustainable and ethically sound supply chain by 2040. (ai/mnm)
MANILA — San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) infrastructure unit has secured a P100-billion syndicated loan agreement with a consortium of major Philippine banks for its ongoing Metro Rail Transit 7 (MRT-7) project— its first foray into mass transport systems.
The fund, which reached a financial close last June 1, will help further speed up the construction of the MRT-7, which is at 61.92% completion as of June 14, 2023.
“We are happy to have achieved this milestone. It reflects the confidence that our partner banks have in the government’s vision for progress, and our ability to execute vital projects that are critical to the country’s social and economic development and growth,” SMC president and CEO Ramon S. Ang said.
This funding is also a testament to the resilience and strong business prospects of SMC and its subsidiaries amid a very challenging macroeconomic environment.
“The support we are getting from major Philippine banks shows that they recognize how important this project is to many Filipinos, and appreciate our overall vision of a Philippines made more progressive, resilient, and competitive, through investments in major projects such as efficient mass transport systems,” And said.
He added: “MRT-7 will generate countless jobs, boost local economies, and create more opportunities for so many Filipinos. We are grateful to our lenders as this facility will allow us to remain on track to meeting our target to start operations in 2025 bringing us closer to a future where Filipinos can reap the benefits of enhanced mobility and accessibility,” he added.
The Marcos administration has identified the MRT-7 project, which runs from Quezon City to San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan, as one of 194 high-impact infrastructure flagship projects under its “Build Better, More” program, which is deemed crucial to improving the quality of life of Filipinos.
Members of the consortium are BDO Unibank, Philippine National Bank (PNB), Bank of Commerce (BankCom), Security Bank, and the Government Service Insurance System.
Lead arrangers and book-runners for the transaction are BDO Capital & Investment Corp., PNB Capital and Investment Corp., SB Capital Investment Corp., and BankCom-Investment Banking Group.
Meanwhile, providing advice to the lenders and borrowers are the law firms of Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos, and SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan, respectively.
Members of the consortium said they were honored to be involved in the landmark agreement for the MRT-7, which they described as an important infrastructure investment that will support the economic recovery of the country.
“SMC’s investments in various infrastructure projects boost the economy as these initiatives facilitate improved connectivity between regions and communities, positively impacting trade, tourism, and overall social integration. We commend SMC for taking these steps towards the country’s growth and we are proud to be their partner in this esteemed endeavor,” said BDO Capital & Investment Corporation President Eduardo V. Francisco.
PNB Institutional Banking Head EVP Jun C. Audencial said: “Investing in infrastructure paves the way to improve productivity and growth, expand distribution networks, facilitate trade and connectivity, and promote economic inclusion. SMC helps provide job opportunities for Filipinos and makes the country more industrially competitive. Infrastructure investments are a step towards economic recovery and growth, and nation-building.”
For its part, BankCom said it welcomed the opportunity to participate in the SMC project, which it said would “hugely uplift our society and contribute to the Group’s vision of a resilient and globally competitive Philippines.”
“Massive infrastructure projects such as the San Miguel Group’s investment in the MRT-7 play a crucial role in building the nation. As SMC Infrastructure continues to strengthen its portfolio and operate the largest infrastructure network in the country, the lives of thousands of Filipinos are made better through safe, sustainable, and accessible transport systems,” said BankCom President and CEO Michelangelo R. Aguilar.
Security Bank president and CEO Sanjiv Vohra, meanwhile, said the bank fully supports infrastructure projects that contribute to the overall development and growth of the Philippine economy, saying that SMC “is at the forefront of nation-building through its various infrastructure projects that bear national importance and greatly benefit Filipinos.”
“We recognize the economic importance of the MRT-7 as it provides a much-needed mobility option for the general population that is safe, fast, and reliable. With this project, we are truly proud to enable a convenient, alternative means of transportation that will help commuters from Quezon City to Bulacan to have more time for work, family, and recreation,” the bank official said.
GSIS, the pension fund for government workers, explained that “state involvement in infrastructure projects plays a crucial role in establishing a robust economy. “Aligned with the GSIS’s vision of actively contributing to nation-building, we are pleased to lend a hand in easing passenger transportation challenges and reducing traffic congestion in Metro Manila, particularly in the transportation routes heading to and from the northern part of the Greater Manila Area,” GSIS president and general manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso said.
The MRT-7 project will have 14 stations, namely: Quezon North Avenue Joint Station; Quezon Memorial Circle; University Avenue; Tandang Sora; Don Antonio; Batasan; Manggahan; Dona Carmen; Regalado; Mindanao Avenue; Quirino; Sacred Heart; Tala; and San Jose del Monte. It can accommodate 300,000 passengers in its first year of operations, and up to 850,000 passengers daily in its 12th year.
The project will also feature an intermodal transportation hub catering to other types of public transportation, as well as a 19-km highway from San Jose del Monte to Bocaue, Bulacan.
(ai/mtvn)