As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance road resilience and ensure mobility during the rainy season, NLEX Corporation convened the Inter-agency Flood Mitigation Forum 2025. The initiative aims to build cooperation among government agencies and local government units (LGUs) in addressing recurring flooding challenges across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
The forum gathered representatives from Quezon City, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Manila, Meycauayan, and the municipalities of Obando and Marilao, alongside the Bulacan Provincial Government. Partner agencies included the DILG, MMDA, Office of Civil Defense, DENR, DPWH, DOTr, TRB, and technical experts from the UP National Hydraulic Research Center and AMH Philippines.
“Flooding remains a complex and pressing issue. As operator of vital expressways, we are committed to maintaining continuous transport flow and addressing shared environmental challenges,” said Jennifer Jane Go, NLEX Corporation Vice President for Asset Management. “This forum provides a platform for actionable collaboration among stakeholders.”
The discussion highlighted solid waste as a leading cause of flooding. Participants emphasized the importance of clean waterways, stronger inter-LGU coordination, and community involvement. AMH Philippines recommended synchronized flood control efforts, given that stormwater crosses jurisdictional boundaries.
Local officials expressed similar sentiments. Marilao Municipal Administrator Froilan Angeles called for greater public cooperation, citing improper waste disposal as a root issue. Valenzuela’s Flood Control Division proposed long-term measures such as dredging, the construction of river walls, and the deployment of heavy equipment with DPWH support.
Participants also agreed on immediate interventions, including the installation of trash traps, deployment of additional Estero Rangers, and improved coordination with barangays through the DILG.
“This problem cannot be solved by one city alone,” said Roderick Tongol of Malabon’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. “It requires a united approach among all affected areas.”
Dr. Vonne Villanueva of Navotas echoed this, emphasizing the value of knowledge exchange. “What works in one city can benefit another. This forum strengthens our collective response.”
The group pledged to conduct pre-rainy season cleanups, share insights with communities, and maintain ongoing collaboration. The forum marks the beginning of a wider program to establish sustainable, long-term flood mitigation strategies, with follow-up sessions planned to assess progress and refine approaches.
NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the tollways arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).
