SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — NLEX Corporation recently launched another woman-centered community development program called Barangay Responders and Advocates of Violence-free Environment (BRAVE). This program empowers young women to play a more active role in their community by training them to become disaster and emergency responders for their respective barangays.
“Ang mga kababaihan ay may unique qualities na angkop para sa tungkulin bilang community responders – sila ay highly adaptable, sensitive, at compassionate. Ito ang mga dahilan kung bakit namin binuo ang isang programang magbibigay oportunidad sa mga kabataang babae na manguna o makatulong sa kanilang barangay sa pag-manage ng sitwasyon sa tuwing may disaster or emergency,” said NLEX Corporation President and General Manager, J. Luigi L. Bautista.
Twenty-five participants from select NLEX Connector host communities underwent a three-day training camp in San Fernando, Pampanga.
In partnership with the Girl Scouts of the Philippines Manila Council, a comprehensive training program on Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management (BDRRM), emergency first aid, and self-affirmation exercises was conducted.
Jiu-jitsu World Champion Meggie Ochoa also taught the participants basic jiu-jitsu and self-defense techniques. She also shared an empowering message to the ladies, reminding them that despite the natural difference in physical strength between men and women, women can protect themselves and others using the right physical skills and knowledge. They can also be effective advocates of a violence-free environment. Ochoa also said, “Programs like this will help them to be more equipped and ready to respond and act in emergencies.”
All these activities aim to prepare young women to be physically, mentally, and emotionally fit for their new role as emergency responders. They were equipped with new knowledge and skills and taught the importance of preparedness, resiliency, and standing up against violence.
“Sobrang importante po ang adbokasiya ng NLEX na hubugin ang kakayahan ng mga kabataang babae upang magamit sa pagtulong sa aming komunidad tuwing sakuna at sa tuluyang pagtigil ng kahit anong uri ng violence sa aming komunidad,” Shenna Orbe, participant from Brgy. 204 said.
Since 2005, NLEX has been at the forefront of corporate social responsibility initiatives as part of their contribution to nation-building. The company also launched two capacity-building programs this year: Pag-unlad at Paglago ng Pamayanan (PUNLA), a comprehensive training program for women-led small businesses, and Barangay Security Watch, an in-depth seminar designed to capacitate barangay police and officials with knowledge and skills in maintaining peace and order in their community.
NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC). (UnliNews Online)
