PAMPANGA, Philippines — NLEX Corporation and the Provincial Government of Pampanga have partnered to strengthen the province’s disaster preparedness and resilience efforts as the rainy season approaches.
Around 40 participants from key provincial offices, including the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, and Provincial Health Office, took part in a two-day Policy-Making on Disaster Management Workshop facilitated by the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF).
The workshop aimed to identify safety gaps and enhance disaster management protocols to better protect communities during emergencies and natural disasters.
Pampanga, which has faced major calamities such as the 1990 Luzon earthquake and the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption, continues to strengthen its disaster resilience initiatives as the province grows into a major economic hub in Central Luzon.
“NLEX recognizes Pampanga as a vital link between Metro Manila and Central and Northern Luzon. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities while maintaining the reliability of this critical transport corridor,” said NLEX President and General Manager Luis S. Reñon.
Second District Board Member Atty. Claire Lim welcomed the collaboration, emphasizing that the safety of residents and protection of homes remain a top priority.
“In situations where the lives and livelihoods of Kapampangans are at stake, we welcome this assistance because while we are resilient, we also need support from partners,” Lim said.
Meanwhile, First District Board Member Cherry Manalo thanked NLEX and PDRF for helping improve the skills and preparedness of frontline responders.
“This workshop reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Pampanga’s disaster management capabilities and ensuring we are better prepared to protect every Kapampangan,” Manalo said.
According to organizers, the partnership seeks to ensure seamless coordination between government agencies and NLEX, helping keep major transportation routes accessible for emergency responders and the delivery of essential goods during disasters.
PDRF Center Director Arnel Capili highlighted the importance of proactive planning, noting that effective disaster management must balance immediate response efforts with long-term climate change adaptation strategies.
NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, the toll road arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.
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