Empowering Communities Through Preparedness and Volunteer Action

As the Philippines continues to face natural disasters ranging from earthquakes to typhoons and flooding, strengthening community resilience has become more important than ever. Recognizing this need, Cebuana Lhuillier continues to invest in programs that promote disaster preparedness, employee engagement, and community support, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most before, during, and after emergencies.

For Cebuana Lhuillier, resilience is not limited to infrastructure or emergency resources—it begins with people. Through a culture of preparedness, the company equips its employees with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to respond effectively during crises while encouraging them to become active contributors to community recovery efforts.

“Building resilient communities starts with empowering our people,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. “By investing in preparedness and volunteerism, we help ensure that our employees are ready to support communities when challenges arise.”

Across its nationwide network, Cebuana Lhuillier implements various safety and preparedness initiatives, including regular fire and earthquake drills, emergency response training, and the designation of safety marshals in offices and branches. Employees are also provided with essential preparedness equipment such as emergency go bags, hard hats, and other protective resources. To further strengthen emergency response capabilities, the company maintains rescue and air boats that can be deployed to assist communities affected by floods and other disasters.

A key component of Cebuana Lhuillier’s resilience efforts is the Barangay Cebuana Resilience Exchange (BCRX), a platform that brings together local government units, community leaders, private sector organizations, civil society groups, and Cebuana Lhuillier employees. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, participants exchange best practices and innovative strategies that help improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery at the grassroots level.

Beyond preparedness programs, Cebuana Lhuillier actively mobilizes its workforce through the Tulong sa Pagbangon initiative. Under this program, RAPIDO employee volunteers participate in relief operations, logistics support, and recovery activities in areas affected by disasters. Working closely with local governments and partner organizations, these volunteers help provide immediate assistance and contribute to rebuilding efforts.

This commitment was recently demonstrated following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that impacted parts of Mindanao. Through Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI) and in partnership with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), the company delivered food packs and potable water to families in Barangay Kinam, Malapatan, one of the communities affected by the disaster.

“Preparedness and volunteerism go hand in hand,” said Jo-Ann Tacorda, Executive Director of Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. and Cebuana Lhuillier First Vice President and Group Head for Corporate Services. “When employees are equipped and empowered to serve, they become catalysts for positive change and community resilience.”

As National Disaster Resilience Month is observed across the country, Cebuana Lhuillier continues to reinforce its commitment to preparedness, volunteer service, and collaborative action—helping communities become stronger, safer, and better equipped to recover from future challenges.