Held at the Meralco Operating Center in Pasig City, the full-scale drill simulated a 7.2-magnitude earthquake along the West Valley Fault, testing Meralco’s emergency response readiness, business continuity plans, and overall seismic preparedness.

The company’s Business Continuity Management team conducted the exercise without pre-positioned resources and under complex emergency scenarios designed to mirror real-world calamities. The simulation included high-angle rescue and fire suppression, mass casualty triage, and collapsed structure extraction.

Beyond the standard “duck, cover, and hold” protocol, teams carried out structural damage assessments, activated continuity procedures, and deployed critical emergency infrastructure such as an incident command post, emergency operations center, field hospital, mobile kitchen, and evacuation center. Coordination with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and internal units via satellite phones ensured uninterrupted communication in a disaster setting.

Observers from the Office of Civil Defense–National Capital Region, the Pasig City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation monitored and evaluated the drill.

“The successful conduct of our full-scale earthquake simulation for ‘The Big One’ underscores Meralco’s unwavering commitment to safety and resilience,” said Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “By rigorously testing our emergency response and business continuity measures under realistic conditions, we have strengthened our capability to protect our people, sustain critical operations, and support the communities we serve.”

Meralco continues to participate in the quarterly NSED as part of its long-term commitment to operational continuity, disaster resilience, and public safety.

As Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong) approaches the Philippines, the FinTech Alliance PH and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) are taking early action by turning concern into concrete help through the launch of the #ReadyPH National Fund Drive.

The initiative aims to provide immediate support to potentially affected communities, ensuring that help moves as fast and as efficiently as technology allows.

The FinTech Alliance PH is donating ₱100,000 to jumpstart the fund and is calling on partners, institutions, and Filipinos everywhere to do their share by contributing through PDRF’s official bank accounts below.

Account Name: Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, Inc.
BDO Peso Account: 005310633988
Swift Code: BNORPHMM
BDO Dollar Account: 105310463926
Swift Code: BNORPHMM

BPI Current Account: 0201051215
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

“This is not just about relief; it’s about readiness. Through #ReadyPH, we’re harnessing the power of digital bayanihan to protect lives even before the storm hits. Readiness saves more lives than relief ever can,” said Lito Villanueva, Founding Chairman of FinTech Alliance PH and executive vice president and chief innovation and inclusion officer of RCBC.

“We have deployed teams to help out with three typhoons and two earthquakes in the last six weeks. And we are gearing up to help with the oncoming super typhoon. But we are undaunted and ready. May God bless and protect the Filipino people,” said Butch Meily, President of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF).

From alerts to action, the #ReadyPH initiative embodies true digital bayanihan, ensuring that compassion, technology, and collaboration come together to strengthen the nation’s resilience before the storm.

The FinTech Alliance PH is the foremost digital industry association comprised of over 140 corporate members collectively driving in excess of 95 percent of retail digital financial transaction volume in the Philippines.

At the recent 4th Liveable Cities Lab: “Transforming the Waste Crisis into Opportunity”, Guillermo Luz, chairman of Liveable Cities Philippines and chief resilience officer of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, stressed that despite existing policies like the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, many cities still face overflowing landfills, polluted waterways, and inefficient systems.

“By embracing the circular economy, we can transform waste into jobs, resources, and cleaner communities,” Luz said. “As climate change accelerates and cities expand, shifting to circular systems is no longer optional—it is a non-negotiable pillar of sustainable development.”

He emphasized that solving the waste challenge is critical not only for environmental resilience but also for public health and economic competitiveness.

From the government side, Dr. Al Oga Orolfo, Director of the Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Service at the DENR, presented the Philippine Healthcare and Mercury Wastes Management Project. Backed by the Global Environment Facility, the five-year initiative promotes environmentally sound healthcare waste management to reduce harmful pollutants and mercury exposure.

“This project extends beyond hospitals—it also involves local governments, small businesses, manufacturers, and surrounding communities,” Orolfo said, noting that effective healthcare waste management creates green jobs, technological innovation, and access to environmental financing.

He also cited the Green Economy Programme in the Philippines, a €61-million EU-funded project running until 2028 to support the country’s transition to a circular economy, boost energy efficiency, and expand renewable energy deployment. The program will engage at least 60 LGUs nationwide.

On the local level, Legazpi City is piloting a Smart Waste Management System (SWMS) that uses digital solutions to optimize collection routes and reduce emissions. According to Dominic Neil Careo of the city’s Environment and Natural Resource Office, the system cut fuel consumption by 23% in 2024 compared to 2023, resulting in 7.98 tons of CO₂-equivalent GHG reduction and ₱1.28 million in annual fuel savings.

“This is very game-changing,” Careo said. “Smarter routes mean less fuel use, lower costs, and reduced environmental impact.”

Manila City, meanwhile, is rolling out a 10-year waste management program (2025–2034) focusing on collection efficiency, waste diversion, and source segregation, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Vice Mayor Chi Atienza said the initiative includes 10 barangay material recovery facilities (MRFs), 686 recovery systems, a city-level MRF, and a mobile MRF.

The private sector is also stepping in. Marc Anthony Cruz Cox, Stakeholder Relations Director of Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, shared the company’s strategies for tackling plastic waste, particularly in the country’s sachet-driven economy.

On June 16, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Assistant Administrator for Asia Michael Schiffer awarded more than Php65 million ($1.16 million) in grants to support energy security and conservation in the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela as part of his visit to the Philippines from June 15 to 18.   

Recipient organizations are USAID’s Filipino partners Tri-Sky Inc. and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation.

Provided under USAID’s Php1.6 billion ($34 million) Energy Secure Philippines program, the grants will support local energy planning and the installation of renewable energy technologies, such as solar roofing and nano generators in the province. With greater energy access, Cagayan and Isabela’s remote communities can better prepare for and recover from natural disasters.  Communities surrounding the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in Lal-lo and Santa Ana will also benefit from the grants.  

“USAID understands that energy is the foundation for systems such as banking, telecommunications, digital platforms, health, education, and transport, among other services,” Assistant Administrator Schiffer said.  “We look forward to partnering with the Philippines to provide greater access to sustainable energy in remote communities, increasing prosperity for families across the country.”

In partnership with the Mabuwaya Foundation and the Agta Indigenous Peoples community at Sitio Golden Valley in Barangay San Mariano, Assistant Administrator Schiffer also launched the “From Ridge to River” project.  Through this project, USAID will work with local communities, partners, and government officials to conserve forests in northern Sierra Madre.

“This launch is an important step toward preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of the region, and we are proud to be part of it,” said Assistant Administrator Schiffer.

During his time in the Philippines, Assistant Administrator Schiffer also spoke at the Asian Development Bank’s annual Asia Clean Energy Forum in Manila and visited a USAID-supported drug rehabilitation program in Mandaluyong City.  Additionally, he traveled to Palawan, where he toured the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park; visited a waste collection and sorting site; sat with civil society organizations to discuss concerns over illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone; and visited the BRP Teresa Magbanua to learn about the Philippine Coast Guard’s protection of marine resources in Philippine waters.

In a joint effort to bolster the Blue Switch program, Nissan Philippines and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) held a ceremonial signing of agreement to announce their partnership. The partnership will demonstrate the Nissan LEAF’s capabilities as an efficient yet sustainable aid for disaster response to natural calamities and gives an avenue for Nissan Philippines and PDRF to exchange knowledge and information to explore better ways in addressing disasters.

In attendance during the ceremonial event was Nissan Philippines President Juan Manuel Hoyos, PDRF President Rene Meily, PDRF Chief Resilience Officer Guillermo Luz, and PDRF’s Executive Director, Veronica Gabaldon.

The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation is an alliance of businesses dedicated to building a strong, resilient and disaster-ready Philippines. It is the country’s major private sector coordinator for disaster management.

“We are proud to announce the partnership between Nissan Philippines and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation. This partnership is the next step in our strategy towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the country.” Nissan Philippines President Juan Manuel Hoyos explained.

Through this partnership, the Nissan LEAF and its V2X bi-directional charging capabilities can supply electricity to affected communities as well as emergency responders during situations of crisis due to natural calamities.

V2X is the capability of Nissan’s Electric Vehicles (EV) that includes the powering of homes vehicle-to-home (V2H), vehicle-to-building (V2B) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging. V2X allows the EV’s battery to transfer power to other sources.

Hoyos added, “We are very excited to see how the Nissan LEAF can assist PDRF in providing innovative and sustainable solutions to minimize and recover from disasters.”

At the event, key executives from PDRF toured Hoyos around their operations center, while representatives from Nissan Philippines demonstrated the Nissan LEAF, showcased its V2X capabilities, and conducted test drives.

The company immediately coordinated with the Department of Energy and the Visayan Electric Co. (VECO) and sent an advance party in Cebu on December 19 to help assess the extent of damage to power facilities.

Meralco will be deploying a contingent of around 50 engineers and linemen, 25 of which have arrived in Cebu today, December 21, to immediately help in clearing operations and power restoration in the province.

The company is also coordinating with concerned offices, including the Philippine Navy and PLDT, for the transportation of additional personnel, 15 vehicles, 11 generator sets, and heavy equipment to the worksite. 

More personnel and portable generator sets are currently on standby and ready to be deployed to other areas that would need assistance.

The Meralco Group, through One Meralco Foundation, is working closely with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, MVP Group, the government and private sector to provide immediate relief to those severely affected by the typhoon.

In addition, Meralco PowerGen Corporation and Global Business Power Corporation are providing 20,000 liters of diesel to help fuel the generator sets of PLDT and Smart, which are working to restore telecommunications services in the affected areas.

The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), with RCBC, Fintech Alliance.PH, PayMaya, and other partners, are calling for cash and in-kind donations for the communities that have been impacted by Typhoon Rai, locally known as Odette.

The 15th tropical cyclone in 2021, Typhoon Odette entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility last December 14 and has left a trail of destruction in its wake. According to the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), more than 80,000 families (or more than 330,000 individuals) have been pre-emptively evacuated from Regions VI, VII, VIII, IX, and CARAGA. Bohol, Cebu, and Negros Oriental have experienced power interruptions.

Reports from the private sector indicate that five provinces are experiencing communication issues due to power failure. Seven airports have cancelled operations with 168 cancelled flights. There are 16 unavailable transmission lines in Visayas and Mindanao. According to DOST Region X, certain roads have been rendered impassable due to heavy flooding.

Immediate needs of affected families include: food packs and ready-to-eat meals, drinking water, medicine and medical personnel, personal protective equipment (PPE), clothing (including footwear and rain gear), cooking equipment and utensils, family kits with sleeping materials, shelter materials, hygiene kits, disaster kits, and go-bags.

As the country also recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of Tropical Storm Washi (local name Sendong), many evacuees are forced to relive the trauma of that event and require psychosocial support. There have also been requests for toys for the children and other Noche Buena items for the families to try and salvage their disrupted holiday celebrations as best as they can.

The PDRF Emergency Operations Center is closely monitoring the activity of the typhoon 24/7 and the team has been sending regular advisories and situational reports on the track of the storm.

For cash donations, visit this website: www.pdrf.org/how-you-can-help/

You may contact PDRF Cluster Coordinators Philline Cruz at 09186262309 and Nikka Villanueva at 09219243980 for in-kind donations.

By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) urged to prepare a business continuity plan (BCP) as they reopen operations amid the pandemic. By pivoting their business models, they would be able to meet changing consumer needs and adapt to a new normal amid the pandemic.

“The very basic one that they need to ask themselves if they need to establish is health safety/protocol. This is important, non-negotiable. Ask yourself first –is it safe for my employees? Is it safe for my customers? These should be matched with plans,” Veronica Gabaldon, Executive Director at Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), said in a webinar.

Gabaldon said those who cannot still fully operate their businesses can prioritize ways like digitalizing to somehow generate revenues.

She cited as an example of a restaurant that started its food delivery venture as a classical case of adapting to the new normal. Furthermore, Gabaldon identified several knowledge products and tools that are available to equip the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the knowledge to reopen their businesses.

“We will provide you with a reliable source of information. Two, we will also help you develop your own BCP. Three, we will provide a platform where you can get available services from different government and private organizations, as well as providing you
technical guidance from the industry leaders themselves,” she added.

Gabaldon said Synergizing Recovery Initiatives. Knowledge, and Adaptation Practices for MSMEs or SIKAP is a one-stop digital hub and opportunity platform designed to respond to the needs of the MSME users in their journey to recovery.

The digital hub provides concrete services on training programs, loans extended by the government and financial institutions, and even mentoring opportunities, she added.

Gabaldon further said the PDRF has also launched the Innovations Academy for Disaster Awareness, Preparedness and Training (iADAPT).

iADAPT is the eLearning solution that aims to equip Filipinos with the right set of tools, skills, and resources they need to be confidently ready to face any type of disaster.

She said it has also developed a Comic book that will make developing a BCP more interesting to the MSMEs.

“This will also give you a story, we will tell this is a story that will resonate with you, that you can relate and will be a source of hope and inspiration. That’s what we need at this time of the pandemic. This is another version where you can learn the principles of business continuity, the importance of it, and a source of inspiration to never give up.  Filipinos are very resilient. So we are innovative, we are creative, and we have great hopes we can overcome this,” she added.

Gabaldon said a mobile app is the digital version of the BCP toolkit, which is also called “resilience in a box”.

“So that you carry the toolkit wherever you are and this will remind you what your plans are. This will be available to both Android and iOS users by next month”, Gabaldon concluded.

By Alithea De Jesus

With President Duterte signed into the law the Bayanihan 2 to Recover As One Act last Friday, Septermber 11 this would provide P165-billion economic stimulus and relief package to help businesses and revitalize the growth of the economy, this will certainly provide the boost of many MSMEs given the fact that more than half of the MSMEs are affected by the pandemic.

The policy analyst of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines Michelle Llorente, revealed the result of the second MSME value chain rapid response survey conducted by UNDP Philippines on July 13 to July 23 indicating the Covid-19 impact on operations of the MSMEs.

“With the majority of the population encouraged to continue staying home despite the lifting of the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine), 81 percent of total respondents confirmed that demand for goods and services remains sluggish,” she said in a webinar organized by UNDP Philippines and Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) through the SIKAP MSME Recovery Hub.

Llorente said all respondents from the creative arts and entertainment industry experience reduced demand for their services, while other sectors that had the highest percentage of reported lower demand were accommodation, administrative support services, agriculture, food and beverage, and other service activities.

The second round of the survey was conducted to 285 MSME respondents, the majority of them are from the National Capital Region (NCR), Caraga, Central Luzon and CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon). Seventy-nine percent of them are in operation for zero to 10 years.

On the supply side, Llorente said MSME respondents identified factors that prevented them from continuing the delivery of their products and services, including logistics, temporary closure of distributors, the government guidelines on businesses allowed to operate, and shortage of raw materials due to lack of stocks from suppliers.

To address these challenges, Llorente added the survey result found that MSMEs have started implementing adaptive measures, foremost of these is digitalization, followed by diversification of products and services, and provision of non-cash payment options for their customers.

“In terms of the general business measures, the top responses were cost reduction, request for private financing, and pivot into new business. As we can see, all these measures showed that MSMEs continue to find ways to adapt to the current circumstances to keep their businesses afloat,” she added.

Llorente said 80 percent of the MSME respondents had business continuity plans focused on new ways of conducting day-to-day operations (60 percent), risk assessment (40 percent), and impact analysis (33 percent).

The number is much higher compared to the result of the first round of the survey indicating that 50 percent of the respondents did not have any business continuity plan, she added.

The UNDP Philippines conducted the first MSME value chain rapid response survey to 315 respondents on May 1 to 15 during the time there was still a strict lockdown. The majority of the respondents were from the NCR, CALABARZON, and Central Luzon.

Despite these challenges, Llorente said 45 percent of the respondents in the second round of the survey expected to recover in the next three to six months, while only 12 percent expected to permanently close shops.

Considering the result of the survey, she added UNDP Philippines urged the need to widen firms’ reach of financial intermediaries by maximizing the government’s MSME credit guarantee scheme, improve awareness and knowledge of MSME on green and sustainable business practices, strengthen supply chain management and integration of local suppliers, and provide digital training to firms and expanding their
internet connectivity.

Read related story:

https://thephilbiznews.com/amway-ramps-up-opportunities-to-enterprising-filipinos/