THAT’S exactly what tycoon and San Miguel Corp. president and CEO Ramon Ang is saying, as he has volunteered to help solve the flooding problem in Metro Manila at no cost to the government or the Filipino people.
Ang disclosed this in a recent meeting with the Metro Manila Development Authority and several city mayors.
What he told them was this: “I, Ramon Ang of San Miguel, am volunteering to be the first to help the whole of Metro Manila address flooding, at no cost to the people and no cost to the government…We will do the cleaning, but without your authorization, we can’t proceed.”
The tycoon proposed that waste clogging waterways and structures, such as houses built along rivers, be removed, as they block water flow toward drains and creeks.
He said that since houses along rivers must be cleared to address flooding, residents should also be provided with relocation sites: “Let’s provide them with housing so they won’t feel they are being evicted without due consideration (to their situation).”
The tycoon’s proposal to assist in mitigating flooding in the National Capital Region is timely and appropriate, as the MMDA itself has acknowledged that improper waste disposal significantly hampers flood-control efforts in Metro Manila.
It is clear the MMDA’s problem with flooding in Metro Manila is compounded by the lack of proper waste management and the deteriorating state of drainage systems.
According to the agency, trash accumulation in drainage systems is a major factor contributing to flooding in Metro Manila.
During recent cleanup operations, large items such as sofas, refrigerators, and other bulky waste were found blocking drainage systems and pumping stations.
The debris obstructs the flow of water, making it difficult for the drainage systems to function effectively.
It’s not only the garbage problem that exacerbates flooding in Metro Manila, but also its antiquated drainage infrastructure, some of which were built more than 50 years ago and now unable to cope with the amount of trash thrown even in waterways by a rapidly growing population.
To improve flood control, a collaborative effort between the government and the private sector is essential to ensure that waterways remain clear of trash and debris.
The offer of a big business conglomerate in the country to assist in mitigating flooding in Metro Manila is commendable and should perhaps be joined by other business groups that make the NCR the hub of their operations. We need all hands on deck to ensure that our political and economic center is free from floods.
During his inspection of flooded communities in Metro Manila, President Marcos Jr. pointed out: “We have more flood control now than before, but we now see the effects of climate change…
“The problem is, I hope people learn. Don’t throw your trash anywhere, because it’s the garbage that clogged our pumps, making them less effective than they could be.”
