SMC lauds Korean infrastructure partners

April 6, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Corp. president and CEO Ramon Ang has recognized the contribution of Korean companies in advancing the listed conglomerate’s major infrastructure projects.

SMC has partnered with Korean firms in major projects such as the 22.8-kilometer Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) project.

The company is working with Korean national railway operator Korea Railroad Corp. for the MRT-7 project, while another Korean firm, Hyundai Rotem, is supplying the trainsets.

The diversified conglomerate has also teamed up with Korea Water Resources Corp. for the operation and maintenance of the 218-megawatt Angat hydroelectric power plant in Bulacan as well as for the Bulacan bulk water supply project.

Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corp. will serve as the technical partner for the NAIA modernization project, which SMC won through public bidding recently.

“Our Korean partners play a crucial role in advancing San Miguel’s major infrastructure projects that help fuel our country’s economic growth, including in sectors like infrastructure, power and water utilities,” Ang said.

“We look forward to sustaining and expanding this partnership as we pursue more nation-building initiatives,” he added.

The Philippines and South Korea are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations.

As part of the celebration, Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa recently toured the facilities of the MRT-7 project in Quezon City to see first-hand how SMC is using Korean technology in implementing the mass rail project.

“Ambassador Lee’s visit to our MRT-7 facilities highlights our partnership with Korean engineers and technology. This project, once operational, will serve as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the Philippines and South Korea,” Ang said.

Lee said he is proud of Korea’s humble contribution to the MRT-7 project through Hyundai Rotem.

“I am very glad that San Miguel, an esteemed company here in the Philippines, has reliable and strong partnerships with Korean engineers. The construction of the MRT-7, for one, will significantly contribute to enhancing the mobility of Filipinos here in Quezon City and Bulacan,” he said.