San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has inked a five-year deal with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Philippines to cleanup the Tullahan river. SMC has pledged to provide PHP 1 billion (USD 19 million) funding for a comprehensive dredging and cleanup program for the river. Cleaning of the 59.24-kilometer Tullahan river will play a crucial role in the rehabilitation of Manila bay, as the river traverses to several cities before reaching the shore of Manila bay.
For decades, SMC has been making efforts to make sure that only clean water is being disposed to the river through its wastewater facilities as well as dredging the Tullahan river. It has also donated backhoes and a barge to local government units for its cleanup programs in the past. To further its contribution, under the five-year agreement SMC will:
Implement dredging and clean-up plan provided by the DENR to reduce solid wastes and floating debris.
Lend equipment, manpower, and funding for equipment operations such as fuel and logistics costs.
Assist in the community mobilization activities of the DENR.
Install a trash trap, transfer dredged materials, and install signage in relation to the rehabilitation program.
The government hopes that the active participation of SMC would inspire other private companies to contribute to the rehabilitation of the river.
(Sources: Philippine Inquirer; BusinessWorld; Manila Standard)
