The new drainage canal system along 6th St. Brgy. Pagasa Olongapo City which was funded by SM Supermalls is now up and functional.
The blessing and ceremonial turnover was held on December 04, 2017, with Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino leading the ceremonial ribbon cutting. Monsignor Crisostomo Cacho administered the blessing together with SM Supermalls Regional Operations Manager for North 3 Cesar P. Bondoc, Brgy. Pagasa chairman Rodolfo Catologan, City Councilors Lugie Lipumano and Bas Palo, employees of SM and residents of Brgy Pagasa.
The 6ft.-diameter pipe culvert drainage canal will carry out water from surrounding communities and will be discharged to the nearest river.
The P6.6-million drainage project was set up in July this year in response to increasing frequency and severity of flooding in the nearby barangays. This project aims to provide a solution to the problem and to resolve the number of disruptions experienced by residents during rainy season.
In his speech, Mayor Rolen Paulino reiterated the “backhoe” donation of SM in 2013 where SM was the first company to donate such equipment for clearing and rescue operations and re-building of flood-hit areas during the Typhoon Odette.
With the continuous efforts of SM on environment and sustainability program, the drainage system project shows clear solution to help reduce if not entirely eliminate the flooding risks in the surrounding communities in the city.
SM malls’ environment protection program includes solid waste management that engages not just the employees and customers, but the whole community. By taking care of the environment, SM also takes care of the communities they are part of and help promote sustainable progress.