In a proactive step toward tackling the persistent threat of flooding during the rainy season, NLEX Corporation spearheaded the Inter-agency Flood Mitigation Forum 2025—an event designed to foster collaboration, encourage knowledge sharing, and promote sustainable solutions across regions vulnerable to seasonal inundation.
The forum brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including officials from the cities of Quezon, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Manila, and Meycauayan, the municipalities of Obando and Marilao, and the Provincial Government of Bulacan. National agencies such as the DILG, MMDA, Office of Civil Defense, DENR, DPWH, DOTr, and TRB were also present, along with researchers from the University of the Philippines National Hydraulic Research Center and AMH Philippines.
“Flooding remains a major obstacle to mobility and safety. At NLEX, we understand that effective flood control requires more than infrastructure—it demands collaboration,” said Jennifer Jane Go, NLEX Vice President for Asset Management. “This forum represents our commitment to working with LGUs and agencies to deliver practical, sustainable responses.”
One of the key points raised was the significant role of improper waste disposal in clogging waterways, leading to severe flooding. Stakeholders acknowledged that while structural solutions are critical, behavioral and community-level change are equally important. AMH Philippines emphasized the need for harmonized approaches, citing how stormwater systems cut across multiple jurisdictions.
Marilao Municipal Administrator Froilan Angeles called for a renewed sense of bayanihan. “Flooding is not new to us. But without collective effort, especially in managing waste, our efforts will always fall short,” he said.
The forum also served as a venue for the exchange of best practices. Valenzuela City’s Flood Control Division proposed capital investments in dredging equipment and structural enhancements such as river walls. They also advocated for ordinance reviews to reinforce citywide preparedness.
Government agencies pledged support, including the installation of trash traps, the deployment of more Estero Rangers by the DENR, and improved barangay-level coordination via the DILG. These efforts aim to maximize existing resources while reinforcing accountability at the grassroots level.
Local officials expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate. “No city can resolve this problem alone,” said Malabon’s Roderick Tongol. “Forums like this are vital to ensuring we move forward together.”
Dr. Vonne Villanueva, Navotas City DRRM Officer, highlighted the forum’s role in uniting perspectives. “We face the same risks. Learning from each other and aligning our strategies can only strengthen our collective resilience.”
At the conclusion of the event, participants committed to clearing waterways ahead of the rainy season and pledged to sustain dialogue and cooperation through future forums. The Inter-agency Flood Mitigation Forum 2025 serves as a foundation for long-term, region-wide initiatives aimed at minimizing flood risk through shared responsibility and strategic planning.
NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).
