San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has been recognized as one of Asia-Pacific’s 25 Steward Leadership Excellence awardees for its innovative “Saribuhay sa Dampalit” program in Bulacan.
Presented annually by the Stewardship Asia Centre (SAC), SMC said on Monday that this prestigious award honors organizations across the Asia-Pacific region that demonstrate outstanding environmental stewardship.
Saribuhay sa Dampalit is a pioneering 47-hectare biodiversity offset site located in Barangay Pamarawan, Malolos, Bulacan.
As the first of its kind in the Philippines, the project sets a new standard for sustainable infrastructure development.
By proactively conserving and enhancing ecosystems in the Bulacan area, it demonstrates that economic growth through the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) project can be achieved in harmony with environmental protection.
It serves as a model for future infrastructure projects in the Philippines and beyond as it showcases how careful planning and innovative solutions can minimize environmental impact while maximizing benefits for both people and the planet.
SMC was honored with the award during a ceremony in Singapore, recognizing the conglomerate as one of the 25 leading organizations in the Asia-Pacific region for its dedication to environmental stewardship.
“We are honored to receive this recognition for our efforts in creating functional habitats for migratory shorebirds,” said San Miguel Aerocity Inc. (SMAI) Project Director Cecile L. Ang.
“This award highlights San Miguel’s unwavering commitment to biodiversity protection while advancing critical infrastructure for the Philippines,” she added.
The Saribuhay sa Dampalit program is central to SMC’s goal of achieving “No Net Loss” and even “Net Gain” in biodiversity.
The site provides an important stopover point for migratory birds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
Beyond ecological preservation, the project also creates livelihood opportunities for local communities and provides nature-based solutions for flood mitigation.
“This program sets a new benchmark for responsible infrastructure development,” Ang added. “It proves that progress and environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand.”
Looking ahead, SMC, through SMAl, plans to expand the Saribuhay sa Dampalit initiative to several provinces near the Northern Manila Bay Area, further reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and nation-building.
