SMC maps out next growth chapter in strategic sectors

MANILA, Philippines — Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is poised to embark on its next phase of growth focusing on energy security, transportation, food security and sustainability.

During the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting yesterday, SMC chairman and CEO Ramon Ang said 2025 was a significant turning point for the group as many of the major projects it invested over the past few years have become operational and are generating significant value across its businesses.

He said these investments are improving efficiency, expanding capacity, strengthening market position and creating new opportunities for growth.

“We are now looking to execute on our next phase of growth. Energy security, transportation, connectivity, food security and sustainability remain our main priorities, while continuing to create long-term value for our shareholders and contribute meaningful to nation’s development,” Ang said.

He said SMC is expanding its power capacity and is pushing ahead with investments in renewable energy, such as pumped hydro and solar.

He said work on the Bulacan Airport and other key infrastructure projects like MRT-7 and the South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 4 to Lucena continue to progress well.

For the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) project in Bulacan, in particular, Ang said SMC is on track to finish the first runway by 2028.

“In fact, it can even be earlier. I believe the first runway will be ready by at least second quarter of 2028,” Ang said.

“What will delay us a bit is the passenger terminal and the logistics center. The logistics center…was supposed to be finished by 2025, but now, I think we’ll be able to finish it by the end of 2026. But at least the first runway we can operate by 2028,” he said.

The NMIA is poised to be a world-class airport that will be developed in phases, with an initial capacity of 35 million passengers annually and a target of 100 million passengers per year once completed.

The 2,500-hectare project features at least four parallel runways, a world-class terminal and a modern and interlinked infrastructure network that includes expressways and railways.

Meanwhile, Ang said SMC’s river cleanup initiative also continues, with the company already removing over 9.1 million cubic meters of silt and waste from 10 major rivers in Metro Manila and neighboring province.

“We will bring this initiative to even more provinces. These projects are connected to daily lives. Better roads save time. Better airports make travel easier and support business. More reliable power helps industry grow. Cleaner rivers help reduce flooding, protect communities and lessen economic disruption.”