Cebuana Lhuillier Forum 2025 calls for unified action toward a Resilient Pilipinas
Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI) reinforced its disaster preparedness advocacy with the staging of the Disaster Resilience Forum (DRF) 2025. This year’s theme, “#ResilientPilipinas, #LahatHandaAtLigtas: A Vision Forged by Action, Fueled by Collaboration,” called for stronger national and local action against rising disaster risks.
L-R: Rene ‘Butch S. Meily / President , Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation Ludwig O. Federigan / Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Expert , DENR Rhea B. Penaflor / Programs and Devlt division head, CLFI JHL- Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier Cesar Augusto E. Villanueva, Jr. / Deputy Director, BSP Jasmine May G. de Leon/ Resilience Officer, National Resilience Council Dawn Marie F. Cabigon/ CEO , Fairs and More Inc.JDB- Jonathan D. Batangan, Executive Director of Cebuana Lhuillier
A key highlight of the forum was the introduction of the “Big Wave” framework. It puts a spotlight on often-overlooked threats such as storm surges, sea-level rise, and possible tsunamis from the Manila Trench. These hazards were presented as urgent challenges equal to the “Big One,” pushing communities to strengthen preparedness.
Jean Henri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO, stressed the role of barangays in resilience. He emphasized that a Resilient Pilipinas begins with empowered communities equipped with tools, knowledge, and partnerships.
The forum featured three key sessions.
- Vision: Shaping a Resilient Future led by DOST, PHIVOLCS, DILG, and ARISE, highlighting leadership and grassroots capacity.
- Action: Empowering Local Champions with MMDA, OCD-NDRRMC, DSWD, and local leaders, showcasing scalable solutions.
- Collaboration: Strengthening Solidarity for Impact gathering government, academe, NGOs, and private sectors for unified efforts.
Jonathan Batangan, CLFI Executive Director, said the DRF2025 is more than a venue for dialogue. It is a national call to action. By bringing the “Big Wave” to the agenda, CLFI urged leaders to address long-term threats while continuing to prepare for current risks.
CLFI also launched initiatives to support communities. Under its Tulong sa Pagbangon program, Filipinos can donate through digital wallets, QR codes, and coin canisters. In partnership with E2G, CLFI donated ready-to-eat food bars to the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) for crisis response.
Through dialogue, collaboration, and tangible support, the Disaster Resilience Forum 2025 reinforced one mission: building a #ResilientPilipinas and ensuring #LahatHandaAtLigtas.
