NLEX AND PAMPANGA PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT STRENGTHEN DISASTER PREPAREDNESS THROUGH POLICY-MAKING WORKSHOP
Pampanga, Philippines – In a proactive effort to enhance disaster resilience and climate adaptation, NLEX Corporation and the Provincial Government of Pampanga partnered to conduct a two-day Policy-Making on Disaster Management Workshop facilitated by the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF).
The workshop gathered 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 the Provincial Health Office. The activity aimed to identify critical safety gaps and strengthen disaster management policies and protocols in preparation for the upcoming rainy season.
Pampanga, known for its resilience in overcoming major natural disasters such as the 1990 Luzon earthquake and the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, continues to invest in disaster preparedness as it grows into one of the country’s major economic centers.
NLEX President and General Manager Luis S. Reñon emphasized the importance of the initiative, highlighting Pampanga’s strategic role in regional connectivity.
“Pampanga serves as one of the vital links between Metro Manila and Central and Northern Luzon. Through this initiative, we aim to help strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities while maintaining the reliability of this vital transport corridor that supports regional growth and connectivity,” Reñon said.
Second District Board Member Atty. Claire Lim welcomed the collaboration, stressing that the safety of Kapampangans remains 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 recognize the importance of support from partners and stakeholders,” Lim stated.
First District Board Member Cherry Manalo likewise expressed her gratitude to NLEX and PDRF for helping improve the capabilities of local disaster response personnel.
“We are grateful to NLEX and PDRF for helping upskill our frontliners. This workshop demonstrates our shared commitment to strengthening the province’s disaster management and ensuring we are better prepared to protect every Kapampangan,” Manalo said.
The partnership aims to improve coordination between the local government and NLEX to ensure that major transportation routes remain accessible for emergency response operations and the delivery of essential goods during times of crisis.
PDRF Center Director Arnel Capili underscored the importance of adopting a proactive approach to disaster management, emphasizing the need to balance emergency response measures with long-term climate change adaptation strategies.
Through collaborative initiatives such as this, NLEX, PDRF, and the Provincial Government of Pampanga continue to demonstrate their commitment to building safer, more resilient communities capable of responding effectively to future disasters.
Report by: Roy Tomandao
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