MANILA — As part of its commitment to ensuring the safety and mobility of motorists during unfavorable weather conditions, NLEX Corporation has been implementing proactive risk-mitigation efforts. These include regular cleaning of drainage systems and culverts, roadside clearing, constant monitoring of river water levels, bridge inspections, and mitigation works.

The company also ensures the availability and readiness of water trucks and other dewatering equipment, and has organized an inter-agency flood mitigation forum to strengthen the preparedness of host and neighboring communities in maintaining clear waterways.

Despite these efforts, the unprecedented rainfall caused by the intensified Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), compounded by the overflow of La Mesa Dam, led to flooding in the NLEX Balintawak Cloverleaf, Valenzuela, and Meycauayan areas.

In response, NLEX has ramped up its multi-layered flood control defenses to enhance protection along its expressway network.

“We are implementing immediate measures in response to the recent flooding to ensure the safety of our motorists and help reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future. We are also working with relevant authorities to explore possible long-term solutions, including our offer to upgrade bridges and rehabilitate rivers and creeks that traverse NLEX. These initiatives reflect our continued commitment to providing safe and passable expressways, especially during severe weather conditions,” said Luis Reñon, NLEX Corporation Officer-in-Charge and Chief Finance Officer of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation.

As part of its response efforts, the tollway company swiftly removed garbage from overflowing rivers and creeks, cleared drainage systems, and inspected rivers and creeks used as outfalls for water from expressway pumping stations to ensure proper flow and function. Road patching works are underway, with permanent pavement repairs planned once weather conditions improve.

To support these efforts, vacuum trucks have been deployed for canal declogging and placed on standby in key locations such as Balintawak, Paso de Blas, and Tulaoc to help reduce water accumulation.

Simultaneously, NLEX is closely monitoring river water levels and conducting structural inspections of bridges—particularly the Pasig-Potrero Bridge—to ensure infrastructure integrity amid rising waters.

Rescue boats have also been made available to deliver relief assistance to nearby communities and serve as alternative transportation for stranded individuals when needed.

“This is the time when we truly need to deploy all available resources and solutions. We’ve tapped our sister companies within the MVP Group, such as Maynilad and Meralco, to assist with vacuum trucks and rescue boats, and we’re deeply grateful for their support. Working together is key to strengthening our flood defenses and ensuring everyone’s safety,” Reñon added.

NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, the toll road arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.

📷 NLEX