WHAT an amazing act of kindness and concern explicity shown by a successful and wealthy businessman in nation building. I am referring to Mr. Ramon Ang, president and CEO of San Miguel Corporation (SMC).
I still remember the time when my late brother Bren was the Pampanga provincial governor, he recommended my daughter who graduated Cum Laude from the University of the Philippines (UP) to him. Without much ado, Mr. Ramon Ang took her in. Out of gratitude, it is but appropriate for me to offer this piece of presentation in appreciation of his unparalleled generosity.
Now, he is very much involved in cleaning and dredging of Pasig and Tullahan Rivers which remain stagnant and muddy for the last number of years. Informal settlers took upon themselves to occupy the banks of these rivers. They throw all kinds of garbage, plastic bags and others into the rivers. This bad habit of throwing garbage into the river brings severe damage to our environment, plugs waterways and drainage resulting in the flooding of main roads in Metro Manila Area. Realizing the worsening vehicular traffic in Metro Manila specially at EDSA, Mr. Ramon Ang initiated the construction of skyways with the ideal object of easing the traffic mess.
These skyways now serve 36 access points, end to end, connecting several districts in Metro Manila, thus reducing the travel time of commuters and motorists. This advocacy that Mr. Ramon Ang has chosen is not that easy. It needs patience, sacrifice, dedication and huge resources and yet, he remains steadfast and resolute in his mission to help improve our glooming economy during the time of pandemic crisis.
He wholeheartedly believes in the saying: “One Act of Kindness Produces A Ripple Effect” What a beautiful, inspiring and encouraging phrase.
With all these emerging acts of kindness and concern shared by Mr. Ramon Ang in nation building, one can’t help but think is there a tendency on his part to get involved in politics in the future?
I don’t think so, because he has repeatedly stated in his public pronouncement that he is not interested in politics. Accordingly, what is important to him at this point in time is to concentrate in nation building. Fully impressed by your remarkable achievement, I would like to assure you, Sir of my humble unequivocal support in whatever plans you may have in life, in the future.
Congratulations and Godspeed!
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(The author is former three-termer mayor of the Municipality of Magalang)