Banner Year for SMC

Several organizations have annually recognized individuals who are innovators in their fields, who stand out among their peers, and exemplify what leadership is all about.

Recently, Esquire Philippines named San Miguel Corporation President and CEO Ramon S. Ang Businessman of the Year.

This latest commendation adds to the growing list of accolades for RSA who is forward-looking – toward growth and sustainable economic development.

Under his leadership, San Miguel Corporation became one of the most diversified business entities in the country.

Its portfolio includes food and beverage manufacturing, banking, power and energy, packaging, and infrastructure.

For the nine-month period of 2023, SMC’s net income grew by 141 percent to P31.2 billion compared to the same period in 2022.

“SMC’s resilient performance in the face of economic challenges is very encouraging. Our achievements highlight our consistent focus on quality and strategic business growth. We remain dedicated to delivering exceptional service to our customers while contributing to broader national initiatives,” said RSA.

The goal for economic development has been around for a long time.

Its fulfillment will depend on the degree of cooperation and collaboration with various sectors including those in the private sector.

Over the years, SMC has remained an active contributor to the growth of the nation.

Despite the pandemic, SMC under RSA’s leadership continued to pursue its projects even as it utilized available resources to help government in efforts to uplift the lives of Filipinos and contain the spread of COVID-19.

SMC made sure food products were available to consumers. SMC also donated food packs, PCR testing machines, PPEs, quarantine facilities, vaccines, waived toll fees for frontliners and advance payment of taxes.

Pouring investments in agriculture, energy, power, and infrastructure has given SMC the edge over other corporations.

This year, the first among 11 mega farms that SMC intends to build throughout the country under the San Miguel Foods’ Mega Farm Projects has been inaugurated by SMC through San Miguel Foods, Inc. in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur.

The mega farm is envisioned to modernize poultry production while supporting local communities and promoting ethical and sustainable farming practices.

Also inaugurated this year is the Better World Smokey Mountain in Tondo. It is a testament to SMC’s unwavering commitment to nation-building by helping uplift the lives of more Filipinos.

The community center which has 39 modern classrooms and training rooms is a venue for learning and skills development. About 12,500 individuals from Tondo are target beneficiaries of the center.

They will be trained to make them employable and thus improve their living standards.

This year, SMC is targeting to complete its battery energy storage systems network with a combined total capacity of 1,000 megawatt hours.

Already inaugurated is the battery energy storage system facility in Limay, Bataan which is among 32 battery storage stations built by SMC nationwide.

Another recent development that will impact on economic development was the signing of a toll concession and joint venture agreement between SMC and the provincial government of Pangasinan.

Involved is the Pangasinan Link Expressway project, a 76.8-km expressway starting at the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) exit in Binalonan all the way to Alaminos.

Last October, RSA was elected as a member of the board of directors of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC).

The infrastructure and transport projects of SMC lessen problems in logistics network.

These projects provide seamless travel.

Among these are Metro Manila Skyway, Naia Expressway, South Luzon Expressway, Star Tollway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan, La Union Expressway.

Ongoing are the MRT Line 7 and the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan that will boost the country as an investment and tourism destination and stimulate economic development.

Aside from projects that will stoke economic development, SMC is a staunch supporter of programs for environment protection.

It completed the clean-up and rehabilitation of the Tullahan River spending P1 billion without cost from the government.

The river is a tributary of Manila Bay.

It is also undertaking the rehabilitation of Pasig River.

SMC also supports the government’s greening program with the growing of trees and mangroves by its subsidiaries. It is likewise an institutional partner of the Million Trees Foundation.

He envisions a resilient and globally competitive Philippines where every individual share in the fruits of sustainable growth and prosperity.

“Never perceive yourself as superior or above others. Possessing more doesn’t elevate one’s worth. In fact, it calls for greater generosity,” said RSA who remains humble despite being in the Forbes list of richest billionaires in the Philippines.

(The author, president and executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a non-profit group advocating tree planting and watershed protection, is a book writer and publisher of biographical and coffee table books.)