“SMC recognizes the critical role that engagement, learning and development play in unleashing the full potential of its employees”
“Today, I feel blessed…to have been given the opportunity to contribute to our country and impact the lives of many people. “
These words are from a visionary and trailblazer, San Miguel Corporation Chairman/CEO Ramon S. Ang as he turned another year older last Jan. 14.
The man fondly called RSA by friends, colleagues, and employees is relentless in his dream of leaving a lasting legacy both to SMC and the nation.
Born and raised in Manila, RSA, a mechanical engineer, is a respected figure in Philippine business.
Joining SMC in the 1990s, he transformed the food and beverage corporation to where it is today – a diversified conglomerate with interests in food and beverage, packaging, fuel and oil, energy, and infrastructure.
It also has investments in property development and leasing, cement, car dealership, and banking services.
He has shunned politics despite the encouragement of well-meaning individuals. His experience and business acumen make him ideal to lead the country, but declared he has no political ambitions.
Throughout SMC’s history under him, the conglomerate remains apolitical, focusing instead on contributing to the country’s economic development through its businesses and undertaking programs to help disadvantaged sectors while ensuring sustainable development.
What he has set out to do to contribute to economic development is a daunting task but he wants to leave as a legacy: a better Philippines for future generations.
He hopes the next generation of leaders will continue to work hand-in-hand with the private sector to further boost development.
Notwithstanding government’s well-meaning efforts to improve the economy, he has noted there will always be criticisms, but advises government to continue working as many of those critics are either oppositionists or have nothing to do.
Under him, SMC has ventured into the infrastructure sector which include the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, Metro Manila Skyway System, Southern Tagalog Arterial Road, South Luzon Expressway, NAIA Expressway, Manila North Harbor Port, MRT Line 7, the New Manila International Airport and the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
These are vital in the development of the country – making travel easier and moving people and produce faster, aside from providing employment.
It was the Ahmedabad-based Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani who said “Infrastructure sector is all about building assets for the country (and) part of nation building.”
RSA himself is involving SMC in the country’s infrastructure program.
Aside from building world class infrastructure to help accelerate growth, SMC is also boosting food security by empowering farmers and building the modern mega farm; and strengthening energy security through San Miguel Global Power, one of the largest power companies here.
SMGP, which supports the country’s energy needs and a player in the power distribution industry, also pioneered Battery Energy Storage Systems.
RSA has created an environment that inspires productivity among his employees. The working environment in SMC companies motivates the employees as they feel valued, giving them a sense of belonging.
SMC recognizes the critical role that engagement, learning and development play in unleashing the full potential of its employees. It prioritizes employees’ growth to boost productivity.
RSA, recipient of various awards as a business leader, is blessed with a loving and supportive family. One of the lessons he imparted to his children is to give back.
“Even when I was young and we didn’t have much, my dad was always generous with people. My dad wouldn’t be where he is today without the help of so many people so he always reminds us to be generous and give as much as we can,” daughter Cecille Ang said in an interview by another paper.
He draws inspiration from them especially his grandchildren. “My grandchildren are a constant reminder that I have to keep striving to be better. They inspire me to dream bigger and to leave behind something that they and future generations can be proud of.”
(MTV, book author/publisher, is president/CEO of Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc. and president/executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a non-government outfit advocating tree-planting and environmental protection.)
