SMC cleans Parañaque rivers to ease NAIA flooding

San Miguel Corp., leading the consortium that operates Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), conducted a cleanup drive to address flooding issues in the main gateway.

As part of its 'Better Rivers PH' initiative, SMC removed 93,000 tons of silt and waste from Parañaque rivers by January 23, aiming to improve water flow and alleviate perennial flooding at NAIA and surrounding areas during typhoon season.

The cleanup drive was carried out at no cost to the government or taxpayers with support from various agencies, including Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

About 1.9 kilometers of river channels were included in the cleanup, along with de-clogging storm drain lines along Domestic Road and NAIA Terminal 4, reopening manholes, and constructing new ones for sustained flood prevention efforts.

In July 2024, a knee-deep flood at NAIA Terminal 4's apron hindered airlines from parking their ATR planes, highlighting the need for ongoing flood mitigation measures.