IN a landmark move to strengthen Laguna’s disaster resilience, Governor Sol Aragones and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) President and CEO Ramon S. Ang formally signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) launching a joint flood control initiative in the province.
The signing, which coincided with Governor Aragones’ 48th birthday, marked what she called “a birthday with a purpose,” symbolizing a renewed hope for thousands of Lagunenses long plagued by flooding.
The governor thanked Ang for addressing the persistent flood in Laguna at no cost to the provincial capitol by providing free technical and financial assistance.
The SMC president vowed to finally put an and to the flood problem in Laguna, pointing out that they had already been dredging rivers in the province for months now.
” Kung mapapansin ninyo yung mga dumadaan ng SLEX, wala ng baha. Nahukayvna kasi namin ang mga ilog sa tulong ng kooperasyon ng mga LGU. Within one year kaya naming linisin lahat, ” Ang said.
With the flood control initiative, Aragones said that Ang did not only solved the persistent flooding but the fears if the Lagunenses as well. ” Hindi lang ang baha ang tinanggal ni RSA (Ang) kundi pati pangamba ng mga residente sa problema sa tuwing babaha, lalo na sa kaligtasan ng kanilang mga estudyanteng anak,” she said.
” This partnership, Aragones added ” marks a turning point for Laguna’s safety and development and securing a sustainable future. “
Ang sought the cooperation of everybody against dumping thrash into the rivers.
At the same time, Ang asked legislators to craft laws against reclaiming rivers for industrial purposes.
He also reminded local government units to maintain the cleaning of the rivers within their viccinity. “LGUs should maintain a barge and a backhoe to maintain the cleanliness of the rivers.
It was a birthday with a purpose for the governor.
Ang emphasized that the dredging initiative comes at no cost to the provincial government. “Wala pong bayad ito,” Ang said. “Ang bayad lang po ni Governor sa akin ay cooperation, for the good of the people.” He added that the company is fully committed to working with mayors, congressmen, and local communities to ensure the project’s long-term success.
A detailed map presented by SMC identified several rivers across Laguna requiring dredging and continuous cleanup operations. According to Ang, the goal is not only to remove silt and debris but also to restore the natural flow of waterways that have been heavily affected by pollution and land encroachment.
Also present at the event was Congressman Arman Demaguila, who is currently pushing a bill in Congress to institutionalize the dredging initiative and ensure sustainable flood control programs in the province.
The Laguna dredging project, backed by SMC’s engineering expertise and corporate social responsibility program, officially began with the MOA signing and initial dredging operations, bringing lasting relief to thousands of residents and communities vulnerable to heavy flooding a true birthday gift that will keep giving back to the Lagunenses.
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