Through the partnership, GSIS stakeholders will have a dedicated channel to access SMF’s livelihood and community reseller programs, which are also open to other interested participants nationwide.

Qualified applicants may become community resellers of SMF products for as low as P2,000, with no franchise or royalty fees required. Participants will gain access to a wide range of trusted food products, including hotdogs, nuggets, bacon, corned beef, luncheon meat, ice cream, cheese, margarine, salad aids, and coffee mixes. Selected partners may also offer Magnolia Chicken products, including Magnolia Timplados.

For aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to start larger ventures, food cart packages featuring Tender Juicy Hotdogs are available starting at P11,120 for indoor booths.

More established food business concepts are also available, including Purefoods Deli, The Cozy Kitchen by Purefoods, and Star Nutri-Meats.

Additional livelihood opportunities include baking enterprises through San Miguel Mills Homebakers using Bake Best premixes, as well as ventures in pet care and agriculture such as Nutri Chunks pet food and the B-MEG Hog Raising Program, which provides access to quality feeds and technical support.

GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso said the initiative aligns with the institution’s mandate to help strengthen the financial security of government employees and pensioners.

“What we are doing is connecting our members with a credible, established partner that can provide a real path to additional income,” Veloso said. “At a time when many families are looking for practical ways to manage rising daily expenses, this partnership offers an opportunity to build a more secure future.”

San Miguel Corporation Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang said the collaboration reflects the group’s continued commitment to uplifting Filipino families.

“Government employees play an important role in serving the Filipino people. Through this partnership, we want to help them create additional sources of income that can strengthen their families’ long-term security,” Ang said. “It is one way to help more Filipinos build something of their own, with trusted brands, practical training, and support along the way.”

The livelihood packages are designed to be simple and accessible, with guidance on business operations, customer service, store setup, and day-to-day management for participants who choose to become community resellers, food cart operators, or home-based bakers.

All approved participants will undergo training in basic operations, food handling, customer service, and store management. Site visits and application reviews will also be conducted to ensure that proposed locations are suitable for the business.

Interested GSIS members and partners may apply by submitting a letter of intent indicating their chosen livelihood package and target location, along with copies of valid government-issued IDs, via email to sanmiguelfoodsbusiness@sanmiguel.com.ph.

Applications will be reviewed by the San Miguel Foods operations team prior to approval and rollout.

By bringing together GSIS’ mission of supporting its members and San Miguel Foods’ experience in building trusted food brands, the partnership provides GSIS members, pensioners, and their families with a practical pathway to additional income and improved financial stability.

Operating income climbed 12% to ₱44.7 billion, while EBITDA grew 13% to ₱58.4 billion, boosting overall margins to 19%.

Food Leads the Way
San Miguel Foods recorded ₱143.5 billion in revenues, up 7% year-on-year, driven by higher demand for dairy, coffee, poultry, and packaged foods. Operating income surged 32% to ₱12.9 billion, while EBITDA jumped 27% to ₱20.0 billion. The company celebrated Magnolia’s 100th anniversary with nationwide campaigns highlighting its legacy.

Beer Holds Steady
San Miguel Brewery reported ₱110.7 billion in revenues, supported by stable domestic sales and international growth. Operating income edged up 2% to ₱23.9 billion, and EBITDA rose 4% to ₱30.0 billion. The brewery marked its 135th anniversary with Oktoberfest events and a limited-edition San Miguel Pale Pilsen 135th Heritage can.

Spirits Continue Strong Performance
Ginebra San Miguel saw revenues climb 7% to ₱48.7 billion, backed by brand campaigns and operational efficiency. Operating income rose 19% to ₱7.5 billion, while EBITDA increased 19% to ₱8.4 billion. Key initiatives included Kabayani Kita sa One Ginebra Nation and nationwide Ginumanfest events.

SMFB emphasized that its strong earnings and prudent capital management provide flexibility to pursue further growth and strategic investments.

Tags: SMFB, San Miguel Food and Beverage, San Miguel Foods, San Miguel Brewery, Ginebra San Miguel, Q3 2025 earnings, Philippines, revenue growth, EBITDA, food and beverage industry.

Revenues rose 4% year-on-year to P201.2 billion for the six months ending June 30. Operating income climbed 13% to P30.0 billion, while EBITDA increased to P39.3 billion, reflecting a 20%  margin. 

“Our first-half performance shows the strength of our operations and our ability to execute on long term strategic goals,” said SMFB Chairman Ramon S. Ang. “We will continue to invest in capacity,  improve efficiency, and expand our reach to deliver lasting value to our customers and stakeholders  while making everyday food and beverages more accessible to Filipino families.” 

Food 

San Miguel Foods recorded P94.4 billion in revenues, up 7% from a year earlier, supported by higher volumes and favorable pricing across core categories such as chicken, canned meats, spreads, and coffee. Operating income jumped 41% to P8.6 billion, while net income rose 53% to P6.0 billion. The segment also posted a 34% increase in EBITDA to P13.1 billion, driven by improved margins and operating efficiencies. 

Beer and Spirits 

San Miguel Brewery’s revenues were down 1% to P74.6 billion, as softer domestic demand offset gains overseas. International sales rose 2% to US$144.8 million, with growth in South China and  Vietnam. Despite lower revenues, operating income rose 2% to P16.2 billion and net income edged  up 3% to P13.0 billion. 

Ginebra San Miguel, the group’s spirits business, posted a 7% rise in revenues to P32.2 billion,  supported by better prices and stable volumes. Operating income rose 12% to P5.0 billion while net  income grew 16% to P4.2 billion. EBITDA rose 17% to P5.6 billion.

Data from the program show that 89% of children enrolled have reached normal height and weight, underweight cases have dropped to 2%, and only 9% remain classified as malnourished. The initiative supports mothers and infants during the first 1,000 days of life — from pregnancy to age two — a critical period for early development and long-term health.

Initially launched in 2022 in nine pilot barangays with 254 mother-and-child pairs, the program has since grown to cover more than 400 families in Luzon, over 300 in the Visayas, and more than 250 in Mindanao.

The initiative is implemented in partnership with San Miguel Foundation (SMF), local government units, and private sector partners. It provides prenatal checkups, ultrasounds, maternal health education, and Mingo Meals — a fortified food made of rice, mung beans, and moringa, developed by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) and produced by the Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation.

“These are the kinds of outcomes we hope for when we commit to long-term, community-based work,” said San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang. “Good nutrition starts before birth, and we want to make sure mothers and children in underprivileged communities receive sustained support — not just one-time assistance.”

In 2024, as the first batch of children transitioned to toddlerhood, San Miguel Foods distributed an additional three to six months’ worth of Mingo Meals in new flavors, designed to suit changing taste preferences.

The program is part of San Miguel’s broader sustainability agenda, which includes a commitment to uplift the lives of 15 million Filipinos by 2030.

Beyond direct health support, the program also focuses on training barangay health workers (BHWs). To date, 102 BHWs have been trained through webinars led by DOST-FNRI, covering topics such as breastfeeding, postpartum care, and early childhood nutrition. These health workers then cascade knowledge to participating mothers in their communities.

Consolidated operating income rose 11% to ₱160.8 billion, supported by margin improvements in Power, Food & Beverage, and Infrastructure, along with cost management initiatives across all business units. EBITDA increased 10% to ₱225.9 billion.

Core net income grew 22% to ₱52.3 billion, reflecting strong operational performance. On a reported basis, net income stood at ₱36.7 billion, including foreign exchange adjustments.

“Our strong 2024 performance reflects strategic growth, operational efficiency, and disciplined execution. We remain focused on strengthening and making our businesses more efficient, while driving sustainability and long-term growth,” said SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

San Miguel Food and Beverage, Inc. (SMFB) posted solid growth in 2024, with consolidated sales up 6% to ₱400.9 billion, primarily driven by higher volumes and market expansion initiatives. Gross profit rose 10% to ₱110.9 billion, and operating income grew 15% to ₱55.8 billion, supported by a favorable product mix as well as operating and cost efficiencies. Net income increased 7% to ₱40.9 billion while EBITDA stood at ₱73.1 billion, maintaining an 18% margin.

San Miguel Foods reported ₱185.0 billion in sales, up 3%, led by a 7% increase in the Protein segment, and a 12% rise in Prepared and Packaged Food – driven by strong demand for Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs, Magnolia dairy, and San Mig Coffee. Operating income jumped 37% to ₱13.3 billion, while net income climbed 33% to ₱8.4 billion, reflecting operational efficiencies and continued focus in controlling costs. EBITDA reached ₱21.3 billion.

San Miguel Brewery Inc. recorded 4% sales growth to ₱153.4 billion, with domestic sales at ₱137.6 billion and international sales at US$276.5 million. Operating income rose 6% to ₱33.4 billion, while net income edged up 1% to ₱25.6 billion, showing stable growth, profitability, and resiliency despite the impacts of numerous typhoons. EBITDA stood at ₱41.8 billion.

Ginebra San Miguel Inc. saw a 17% sales growth to ₱62.5 billion, driven by increasing consumer demand, with a 9% volume expansion, reaching 50.6 million cases. Operating income rose 26% to ₱8.6 billion, while net income increased 3% to ₱7.3 billion. Without the one-time Don Papa rights gain in 2023, recurring net income would have risen 22%. EBITDA stood at ₱9.5 billion.

POWER

San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMGP) delivered a strong performance in 2024. Revenues were up 21% to ₱205.1 billion, driven by a 45% rise in offtake volume to 36.6 million MWh, partially offset by lower average realized prices due to declining pass-through coal prices.

Robust growth was supported by secured Power Supply Agreements (PSAs), new RES customers for Limay Power Plant, additional BESS ancillary services, and the commercial operations of Mariveles Power Plant Units 1, 2, and 3. Operating income and EBITDA grew 24% and 27% to ₱40.5 billion and ₱55.5 billion, respectively. Net income increased 25% to ₱12.4 billion.

FUEL AND OIL

Petron Corporation reported ₱868.0 billion in revenues for 2024, up 8% from ₱801.0 billion in 2023. Sales volume grew 10% to 139.9 million barrels, led by strong performance from its Philippine operations and Singapore trading subsidiary, where combined sales rose 16% to 92.5 million barrels, supported by network expansion and aggressive marketing.

Retail sales climbed 18%, leveraging the country’s largest fuel station network, while commercial sales increased 6%, driven by strong demand from the aviation sector.

Petron Malaysia faced challenges due to fuel subsidy policy changes, while a maintenance shutdown at the Port Dickson refinery in Q4 2024 limited production and exports.

At the same time, global prices remained volatile given geopolitical conflicts. Dubai crude peaked at US$89 in April before dropping US$73 by year-end, putting pressure on, and compressing refinery margins.

Despite these headwinds, operating income remained steady at ₱29.2 billion. Net income declined 16% to ₱8.5 billion, but the company continued to remain profitable, demonstrating resilience amid these industry challenges.

INFRASTRUCTURE

San Miguel Infrastructure continued its steady growth in 2024, with revenues rising 7% to ₱37.5 billion. Average daily traffic grew 2% to 1.03 million vehicles, supported by the continued ramp-up of its toll roads. Operating income increased 12% to ₱20.3 billion, while EBITDA rose 8% to ₱29.7 billion, maintaining a healthy 79% margin.

CEMENT

SMC’s Cement business, which includes Eagle Cement Corporation, Northern Cement Corporation, and Southern Concrete Industries, Inc., reported a 6% decline in net sales to ₱34.9 billion. A 3% increase in sales volume helped offset the impact of lower average selling prices due to the influx of imported traded cement.

Despite the revenue decline, operating income grew 10% to ₱6.6 billion, driven by effective cost control measures. EBITDA rose 1% to ₱9.7 billion, with EBITDA margin improving from 26% to 28%.

Joined by officials from key government units, including DTI’s attached agencies such the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) and Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), together with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and San Miguel Corporation, the discussions aimed to facilitate exchange of experiences in export, investment, and economic development. The meeting sought to promote foreign investment in the Philippines and Paraguay, ultimately strengthening bilateral trade relations.

DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo expressed interest in Paraguay’s trade relationships. Vice Minister Viveros emphasized Paraguay’s expanding partnerships with Taiwan and Japan, and discussed potential trade and investment collaborations with ASEAN countries, particularly in food processing and livestock exports. Both countries recognized their shared strengths in their manufacturing and energy sectors, while agreeing that they can be strategic partners with foreign investors.

During the meeting with the PCCI, Vice Minister Viveros mentioned Paraguay’s Bioceanic Corridor, a strategic transportation route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, that is expected to enhance trade by linking Mercosur markets in the region. PCCI President Eunina Mangio expressed keen interest in sharing this investment model with our business community.

The FTSC also arranged discussions with the DFA, graced by DFA Undersecretary Charles Jose. The meeting underscored the private sector’s role in strengthening economic relations. Both parties agreed to facilitate direct engagement between Filipino and Paraguayan businesses, including potential future visits by Paraguayan business representatives.

In another meeting, CITEM explained its mandate to the Paraguay delegation, focusing on developing, promoting, and organizing Philippine participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions. This include their signature events, such as the Manila FAME and International Food Expo (IFEX) Philippines, which features a wide array of food and beverage products, ingredients, and technologies.

Paraguayan delegates also showcased their country’s key agricultural products and export potential to San Miguel Foods, which expressed particular interest in these commodities. Notably, San Miguel Foods noted a critical coconut oil shortage in the Philippine market, signaling a significant opportunity for increased trade partnerships with Paraguay.

The Philippines continues to strengthen its trade partnership with Paraguay, exporting a diverse range of products, from advanced machinery and electrical equipment to high-value agricultural goods like coconuts and Brazil nuts. In return, the Philippines imports key commodities such as soybean cakes, frozen beef, rice, and corn, alongside industrial materials like cables, insulated conductors, and insecticides.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and industrial development. The discussions concluded with a mutual pledge to enhance bilateral trade, attract new investments, and strengthen diplomatic ties for mutual growth.

Through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), SMFI will establish and manage buying stations for key crops such as corn, cassava, sorghum, and soybeans. With this, farmers will have direct access to an institutional buyer, ensuring a stable and fair market for their produce and delivering better financial returns.

The partnership also incorporates strategies to modernize and streamline agricultural supply chains nationwide. These improvements are expected to promote long-term growth and sustainability in the sector benefiting farmers, consumers, and the entire country.

To further support the agricultural community, SMFI will share laboratory procedures for crop acceptance and conduct capacity-building seminars for DA-recognized farmer cooperatives and associations (FCAs). Additionally, it will offer its food products to cooperatives, creating opportunities for additional income.

The DA, on the other hand, will introduce advanced technologies to improve crop monitoring and harvest volume projections. It will also provide technical assistance to SMFI’s farmer partners, particularly those in DA-recognized FCAs.

Moreover, the DA will deliver quality assurance training, support SMFI’s information campaigns for direct buying and community reseller programs, and grant access to select research stations for varietal preservation and planting material development.

“This partnership will not only benefit the farmers, but also the broader society as a whole. By sourcing quality local ingredients for feed production, we can significantly reduce import costs which will in turn lower prices of meat in the market, eggs, and several other meat (products) for consumers — creating a win-win scenario for both producers and households by ensuring that only high-quality raw materials are used,” said Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, in a statement.

“We are also safeguarding the health of our consumers. Let us continue to harness this partnership to create a more sustainable and resilient local agriculture industry that will empower our farmers and ensure food security, and drive economic growth in the country,” he added.

San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. (SMFB) Chairman Ramon S. Ang added, “This partnership allows us to invest directly in our farmers and the future of Philippine agriculture. By offering fair prices and consistent support, we help farmers improve their livelihoods and make agriculture a more sustainable and rewarding industry.”

The signing of the MOU was led by DA Undersecretary Roger Navarro and San Miguel Foods Group General Manager Emmanuel Macalalag. The ceremony was attended by key representatives from DA-recognized farmer cooperatives and associations, together with senior officials from both organizations.

Despite challenges such as typhoons and currency fluctuations, SMC’s consolidated revenues increased by 11% to ₱1.2 trillion. This strong performance was fueled by higher sales volumes in its Power, Fuel & Oil, Food, and Spirits businesses.

Operating income also went up by 11%, with improved profitability in the Food, Spirits, and Infrastructure sectors which offset lower refining margins in the Fuel & Oil business. EBITDA went up by 9% to ₱168.1 billion.

Overall, the Company’s strong performance demonstrated its ability to adapt to challenges and deliver consistent growth.

“Our commitment to sustainable growth and responsible cost management is at the core of everything we do. Our strong results reflect our ability to run our businesses efficiently, seize growth opportunities, and focus on building long-term value and excellence,” said SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

San Miguel Food and Beverage, Inc. (SMFB) achieved strong financial results in the first nine months, with solid growth across all business segments. Consolidated sales rose 5% from last year, reaching ₱291.1 billion. Income from operations increased by 15% to ₱39.9 billion, while consolidated net income rose by 11% to ₱30.4 billion.

San Miguel Foods posted a 4% increase in sales to ₱134.3 billion, supported by higher volumes. The Prepared and Packaged Foods segment led the growth with an 11% revenue increase, driven by strong demand for key products like Purefoods Luncheon Meat, Magnolia Dairy, and San Mig Coffee. This segment’s EBITDA jumped 39% to ₱15.5 billion, benefiting from top-line growth and lower raw material costs.

San Miguel Brewery Inc. reported consolidated revenues of ₱111.2 billion, up 3%, due to higher volumes. Domestic sales reached ₱99.1 billion while international sales amounted to $212.4 million. The Beer segment’s EBITDA reached ₱28.9 billion, with expected growth momentum through targeted initiatives.

Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) achieved a strong 17% increase in sales to ₱45.6 billion, driven by higher prices and volumes. Operating income also rose, with EBITDA totaling ₱7.1 billion. Strong brand performance and efficient distribution contributed to the growth of the Spirits segment.

POWER

San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMGP) sustained its strong performance, reporting a 57% increase in off-take volumes. This was supported by new capacities, including 1,200 MW from South Premiere in Ilijan, Batangas; additional BESS ancillary services, and the start of commercial operations of Mariveles’ Units 1 and 2. Consequently, consolidated revenues rose 23% to ₱153.6 billion.

Operating income and EBITDA saw significant growth of 43% and 37%, respectively. Net income rose 48% to ₱13.5 billion.

FUEL AND OIL

Petron Corporation (Petron) continued to report strong revenues in the first nine months of the year despite challenges in the international oil market. Consolidated revenues increased 12% to ₱657.9 billion, driven by sustained volume growth of 12% to 104.4 million barrels, from 93.6 million barrels in 2023.

Sales volume from its Philippine operations and Singapore trading arm posted a combined 16% increase to 67.8 million barrels, while sales volume in Malaysia rose 4% to 36.6 million barrels. The Company’s service station operations in the Philippines fueled the consolidated 7% increase in total retail sales driven by Petron’s strong brand attributes and strategic marketing efforts. Sales from its commercial and export trades also showed consistent improvements at 7% and 11%, respectively.

The strong volume and sales performance was weighed down by a correction in refining margins resulting in an operating income of ₱22.3 billion in the first nine months, from ₱27.0 billion in the same period last year. Net income for the nine-month period ended at ₱7.1 billion from ₱9.5 billion in 2023.

INFRASTRUCTURE

San Miguel Infrastructure delivered steady growth, with consolidated revenues of ₱27.0 billion in the first nine months, up 8% compared to the same period last year. The combined daily average traffic volume from all operating toll roads rose by 2%, reaching 1.02 million vehicles. The company achieved an 8% increase in both operating income and EBITDA to ₱14.6 billion and ₱22.0 billion, respectively. EBITDA margin remained strong at a healthy 82%.

CEMENT

The Cement business, comprised of Eagle Cement Corporation, Northern Cement Corporation, and Southern Concrete Industries, Inc., delivered a 3% increase in volume for the nine-month period, despite industry volume contracting by about 2.3%.

Consolidated revenues of ₱27.0 billion for the same period however dipped by 6% due to lower selling prices, influenced by the influx of imported traded cement. Despite the decline in topline, operating income grew by 16%, supported by lower input costs and enhanced operating efficiencies. EBITDA rose by 9% to ₱7.6 billion, with margin expanding to 28%.

The agreement, formalized through the signing of a memorandum of agreement, is seen to enhance the effectiveness of government efforts to improve child nutrition and health nationwide. 

The premixes will be used by DOST-FNRI’s nationwide network of “adaptors”–makers of enhanced NutriBuns distributed to children beneficiaries of the program. 

The program aims to ensure that sufficient, standardized nutritional values go into every NutriBun so all children get the full nutritional benefits intended. At the same time, it will also allow for cost-effectiveness for the program’s adaptors. 

Through its flour milling unit San Miguel Mills, Inc., San Miguel Foods will also provide funding for FNRI’s research, and help deliver the precise nutrient bundle needed by children in each serving of the nutrient-packed bread. “Nutrition is an advocacy we have been focused on for many years now. This partnership will combine the research and development being done by by DOST-FNRI, and the technical know-how and production capabilities of San Miguel Foods. Ultimately, this will benefit many children, especially those in disadvantaged communities who do not get enough or proper nutrition,” said SMC president Ramon S. Ang. 

The company’s supply chain and logistical resources are also seen to complement DOST-FNRI’s network of enhanced nutribun adaptors, ensuring the program reaches more children all over the country. 

The urgency of delivering enhanced nutribuns is supported by alarming statistics from DOST-FNRI’s Expanded National Nutrition Survey in 2021. 

Their study revealed that 26.7% of children aged three to five years old and 19.7% of children aged five to 10 years old, are already considered stunted. 

Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. emphasized that partnerships with the private sector are integral to scale up the many programs and technologies DOST produces to address malnutrition. 

He also lauded the efforts of SMC and Mr. Ramon S. Ang to promote science and technology to advance national development. 

“SMC President Ramon Ang is one of the champions of Science, Technology, and Innovation, which can be considered as drivers of change. Mr. Ang is a firm believer that scientists, research and development outputs, and S&T services play a key role in societal and economic development.” 

Partnering with DOST-FNRI on the enhanced nutribuns programs is just one of the many ways the diversified conglomerate has supported the reduction of hunger and malnutrition in the country. 

San Miguel Foods President Francisco “Butch” Alejo III expressed the company’s intention to produce affordable products that address the nutritional needs of those in marginalized sectors, especially the youth. 

“Nourishing people is more than just providing affordable food. We want to create opportunities that will uplift generations of Filipinos. With our huge production capacities and DOST’s research capabilities, we can develop and deliver safe, delicious, and nutritious meals that fuel the mind and body, and invigorate the Filipino spirit,” Alejo said. 

Apart from producing nutritious products, the company also continues to prevent stunting in communities where it operates through its CSR program Handog Kalusugan, a three-year sustainable program that aligns with the country’s First 1,000 Days Law. 

The program focuses on the critical developmental phase in a child’s life, from conception to two years old. Now on its second run, the program has helped ensure that 97% of the babies chosen for the initiative recorded normal height and weight.

SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang said that the company’s Group-wide “Water for All” program saved 7.5 billion liters of scarce water in 2023.

This brings SMC’s total water savings throughout the program’s seven-year run to 41.3 billion liters—equivalent to the monthly consumption of 1.3 million households. 

Ang also reported on the progress of another major water initiative: As of March 21, its river rehabilitation project had removed a total of 5.5 million metric tons of silt and solid wastes from 85 kilometers of waterways. These include the Tullahan River, Pasig River, San Juan River, and Bulacan rivers, as well as rivers in Laguna and Navotas. 

“Water issues have long been a major priority for us. Our latest internal Group water savings report, together with our ongoing river cleanup initiatives, are a strong affirmation of San Miguel’s commitment when it comes to the protection, preservation, and enhancement of our water resources,” said Ang.

“Our employees have played a critical role in achieving these results. We are grateful to them for fully adopting and taking to heart our water sustainability advocacies, particularly the reduction of our use of scarce water sources, and parallel to that, the rehabilitation of polluted rivers, to also help flood mitigation,” he added.

According to Ang, the company’s internal water savings come mostly from increased utilization of non-scarce water sources such as seawater, recycled water, and rainwater.

“In the past couple of years, our businesses have really stepped up when it comes to investing in water-saving measures. From fixing leaks, installing new meters, and replacing old pipes; to installing rainwater harvesting facilities, utilizing more efficient water recycling and reuse systems, to investments in advanced technologies such as desalination: Every drop counts, so every little effort of our employees, counts,” Ang added.

SMC fuel and oils subsidiary Petron Corporation continued to account for the bulk of scarce water savings, through its use of a water desalination facility. 

Petron’s total water savings for 2023 reached 3.5 billion liters, bringing its seven-year total to 20.8 billion liters. San Miguel Global Power came in at second, with 1.3 billion liters of scarce water saved for the year, bringing its total to 6.1 billion liters. At third was Spirits unit Ginebra San Miguel Inc., which logged nearly 1.2 billion liters of water saved, for a total of 5.9 billion liters since 2017. 

Other subsidiaries including San Miguel Foods, San Miguel Brewery Inc., San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corp., SMC Infrastructure, Northern Cement Corp., and San Miguel Properties, in no particular order, also contributed to total water savings. 

Since its launch in 2017, SMC’s Water for All program has expanded to include newer facilities built in recent years. To date, it monitors the water use of 96 SMC facilities, offices, and installations nationwide.

The year “Water for All” was launched, SMC also announced the discontinuation of its plastic bottled water business. 

At the time, Ang noted that while its plastic bottled water business was providing good returns, its discontinuation was part of SMC’s push for greater sustainability, particularly through minimizing plastic wastes that end up on bodies of water. 

Three years later, in 2020, SMC began its massive river cleanup program, which started with its P1-billion initiative to clean up the Tullahan River. The inititive led to the removal of some 1.1 million tons of waste from an 11-kilometer stretch of that river.

SMC then took on the more difficult challenge of cleaning up the Pasig River starting in 2021, for which it spent another P2 billion. 

Last year, the company completed its cleanup of the Pasig River where it removed nearly 1.2 million metric tons of silt and waste. 

The project has since moved to Bulacan province, where many low-lying towns are perennially flooded during the rainy season, due in large part to clogged rivers that prevent the flow of floodwaters out to the Manila Bay. 

SMC’s Bulacan river cleanup efforts have cleared 2.6 million tons of silt and wastes from the Marilao River, Giuguinto River, and Pamarawan River in the province.