PBBM welcomes Ramon Ang’s offer to help address NCR flooding

Speaking to reporters in Malacañang, Marcos said Ang had previously briefed him on the proposal, which involves desilting waterways in the National Capital Region (NCR). (File Photo: Ramon S. Ang/Facebook)

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency 

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday welcomed San Miguel Corporation (SMC) chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon Ang’s offer to help address flooding in Metro Manila, saying private sector participation is vital in national development.

Speaking to reporters in Malacañang, Marcos said Ang had previously briefed him on the proposal, which involves desilting waterways in the National Capital Region (NCR).

He noted, however, that the plan would only succeed if local government units (LGUs) addressed the garbage problem that clogs drainage and waterways.

“It simply doesn’t work until we have a solution to the garbage problem,” Marcos said, citing the waste-to-energy project proposal in the City of Manila as a possible model for other urban areas.

He added that the government would study the proposal closely, emphasizing that Ang’s track record in completing infrastructure projects on time makes the offer credible.

Marcos also welcomed Senator Panfilo Lacson’s suggestion to tap other tycoons for disaster-mitigation initiatives, saying many of the country’s business leaders have historically offered help for major development efforts.

“This is not anything new. The so-called taipans of the country pagka mayroon tayong gustong gawin, nag-o-offer talaga sila. Kaya marami silang naitutulong (when we want to do something, they really offer. That’s why they help a lot),” he said.