Metro Pacific Tollways South (MPT South), the southern business arm of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), recently convened stakeholders from national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and host communities of CALAX and CAVITEX for the first-ever Flood Mitigation Forum in Southern Luzon.
The forum aimed to strengthen collaboration and coordination in addressing recurring flooding concerns in Southern Metro Manila and nearby provinces through multi-sectoral dialogue, data sharing, and coordinated planning.
“This year’s forum aims to solidify cooperation among government agencies and LGUs in addressing recurring flooding challenges across Metro Manila and nearby provinces,” said MPTC Chief Tollways Development and Engineering Officer Gil F. Amilbangsa.
The MPTC Flood Mitigation Forum 2026 gathered representatives from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).
Also present during the discussions were representatives from the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), and PEA Tollway Corporation (PEATC).
Participating LGUs included Las Piñas, Parañaque, Pasay, Taguig, Cavite, and Laguna. Key officials and resource speakers included Cavite Governor Francisco Gabriel “Abeng” Remulla, Office of Civil Defense Director Jose Harry M. Barber, Biñan City Councilor Titus Bautista, and former Senator Cynthia Villar of Villar SIPAG Foundation.
Flood risk assessments and area data were presented by AMH Philippines to help identify critical flood-prone areas and support evidence-based mitigation planning.
During the forum, stakeholders highlighted the effects of improper waste disposal on flooding, especially in low-lying communities. LGUs shared ongoing efforts to strengthen anti-littering and solid waste management enforcement, as well as regular declogging operations and monitoring of waterways.
“Effective flood mitigation depends heavily on good governance, which is a core principle in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management implementation. Participation is essential, as community involvement strengthens ownership and improves the relevance of mitigation measures,” Barber said.
LGUs, in partnership with barangays and volunteer groups, also continue to implement community-based environmental education campaigns focused on proper waste segregation, infrastructure planning, and disaster risk reduction.
“We recognize that multi-sectoral collaboration creates a ripple of hope for communities in the South, especially during typhoon season. We, at MPT South, will continue to work closely with LGUs and national government agencies to translate discussions into action,” said MPT South President and General Manager Andrew B. Pangilinan.
The forum concluded with stakeholders committing to improve drainage systems, strengthen flood control measures, enhance disaster resilience, and reinforce inter-agency coordination.
Organizers said the Flood Mitigation Forum 2026 reflects the MPTC Group’s continuing commitment to collaborative and sustainable solutions in addressing flooding challenges in surrounding communities.
