Ramon Ang Offers Free Solution to Metro Manila Flooding
RAMON ANG – The businessman and infrastructure leader has offered to help solve Metro Manila’s ongoing flooding problem completely free of charge for both the government and the public.
In a press conference, Ang said his team has identified the main causes of flooding in the National Capital Region. He explained that the Tullahan River, which serves as the main drainage for Quezon City, Valenzuela, Navotas, Malabon, and Obando, has been blocked in several areas. Some portions of the river have been covered and built over with roads, houses, and even schools, preventing water from flowing properly and leading to flooding.
Ang stated that the main solution is to remove all blockages from rivers and waterways. He is willing to purchase land to relocate residents and rebuild schools in safer locations if necessary, ensuring that no one loses their home or access to education. According to him, clearing rivers and removing illegally built roads or other structures over waterways would be enough to stop flooding in Metro Manila permanently.
He assured the public that this plan would cost nothing for either the people or the government. Ang, through San Miguel Corporation, is ready to shoulder all expenses. He added that solving the problem does not require complicated or costly plans — only a simple but focused effort to clean and restore the rivers.
The only requirement, Ang said, is approval from local government units (LGUs) so his team can start dredging and clearing waterways immediately. He mentioned that his group has been assisting LGUs for a long time and only needs a signed agreement and full cooperation to proceed. Local mayors simply need to identify the flood-prone areas, and their team will respond without delay.
Ang’s offer comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his recent State of the Nation Address, ordered a review of all flood control projects in the country to finally address the root causes of flooding finally. This follows the recent heavy monsoon rains and tropical cyclones in late July that caused severe flooding in Metro Manila. The Department of Public Works and Highways and several lawmakers have also called for a comprehensive drainage system master plan to protect the capital from recurring floods.