San Miguel Corp. (SMC), the operator of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), has launched a significant cleanup campaign aimed at tackling the persistent flooding issues at the airport. The initiative, part of SMC’s ‘Better Rivers PH’ project, has successfully cleared 93,000 tons of silt and waste from the Parañaque River system as of January 23.
The cleanup, which incurs no cost to the government, focuses on enhancing water flow and mitigating the chronic flooding that affects NAIA and its surrounding areas, especially during typhoon season. SMC’s Chairman and CEO, Ramon Ang, emphasized the importance of sustainable solutions in addressing these challenges, expressing hope that the efforts will provide long-term benefits to local residents, businesses, and travelers.
The project covered approximately 1.9 kilometers of river channels, including the Parañaque River, Don Galo River, and their connections with the San Dionisio and Villanueva creeks. Additionally, SMC cleared storm drain lines along Domestic Road and NAIA Terminal 4, reopening 54 manholes and building 10 new ones to bolster flood prevention measures around the airport.
The urgency of these efforts was highlighted by a severe flooding incident in July 2024 at NAIA Terminal 4, where water levels reached knee-deep, preventing airlines from parking their ATR planes. Manila International Airport Authority’s general manager, Eric Ines, attributed the flooding to heavy rainfall and overflow from the Parañaque River.