In the aftermath of typhoons Sendong and Yolanda in 2013, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has emerged as a stalwart force in the nationwide endeavor to construct resilient housing communities.
Collaborating with esteemed organizations such as Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity, SMC has invested a substantial P3.05 billion over the past decade in building new homes and supporting families affected by natural disasters and various development projects.
The President and CEO of SMC, Ramon S. Ang, recognized as a “Hero of Philanthropy” by Forbes Asia, underscores the pivotal role of secure housing as the foundational step in empowering families for nation-building.
Ang states, “Housing is a basic need. To enable Filipinos to participate in nation-building, we must first support the family unit. Providing safe homes for those affected by calamities or without a home has been our first step in transforming their lives.”
SMC has successfully erected homes and communities across the nation, spanning areas such as Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Negros Oriental, Davao, Surigao, and Bohol.
As the global pandemic unfolded in 2020, SMC’s initiative evolved beyond constructing houses to encompass holistic community development. The latest housing community in Sariaya, Quezon, serves as a model for disaster-resilient and eco-friendly homes, featuring amenities like a multi-purpose center, covered court, livelihood center, e-library, a fishermen’s wharf, and a public market operated by the residents themselves.
Residents have also benefited from comprehensive training programs covering entrepreneurship, personal finance, food processing, farming, and other income-generating activities.
In collaboration with the Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA), SMC has expanded its skills and livelihood training program nationwide, simultaneously assisting informal settlers in securing titled properties and constructing permanent homes.
Ang emphasizes, “Wherever San Miguel operates, progress follows. Our aim is to ensure that those we help are equipped for long-term success. However, equally crucial to housing and jobs is having a sense of community. Being part of a supportive network is essential for their long-term success.”
This philosophy has led to the establishment of the flagship social development program, the SMC Better World Community Centers. Utilizing unused properties and other resources, this project amplifies the capabilities of partner organizations to address pressing community-level issues.
SMC currently oversees four Better World Community Centers: Better World Tondo, a food bank, feeding, learning, and health center; Better World Diliman, a marketplace for excess farm produce to support local farmers; Better World Cubao, a center for women’s health and related issues, equipped with a clinic and livelihood training facilities; and Better World Smokey Mountain, a learning center for adults and children living in the former Smokey Mountain landfill.
About Author
