The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) has achieved a new milestone by taking the lead in completing its Public Service Continuity Plan (PSCP), demonstrating the Authority’s proactive approach to disaster resilience. The LRTA Board of Directors approved the PSCP on November 21, 2025, following months of comprehensive preparation and collaboration. This achievement is a testament to LRTA’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted rail services for millions of commuters even during emergencies and disasters. The PSCP establishes comprehensive protocols to safeguard Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT Line 2) operations against potential service disruptions.
The PSCP provides a structured framework that LRTA can use to prepare for, respond to, and recover from incidents that can affect operational continuity. The plan focuses on minimizing service downtime by ensuring immediate restoration of Mission Essential Functions, including train operations, power supply management, signaling and telecommunications, and passenger assistance and evacuation procedures. This proactive approach ensures that essential transportation services remain available to the riding public during disasters.
LRTA’s PSCP complies with Republic Act No. 10121 (Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010), NDRRMC Memorandum No. 33 series of 2018, and Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 2 series of 2021, which requires GOCCs with original charters to formulate their respective PSCPs. The framework also aligns with Executive Order No. 603, which defines LRTA’s mandate to construct, operate, and maintain Light Rail Transit Systems.
The PSCP is the product of months of preparation and collaboration of LRTA offices and personnel. LRTA conducted a comprehensive five-day Public Service Continuity Planning Training from October 6-10, 2025, at the LRT-2 Depot in Santolan, Pasig City. Experts from disaster management agencies, including Manila DRRMO, the Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Coast Guard facilitated the training. This was followed by an intensive three-day write shop from October 22 to 24, 2025, where technical working groups collaborated to finalize the LRTA PSCP. The plan received final approval from the LRTA Board.
Key features of the PSCP include detailed protocols for mobilizing necessary resources through coordinated logistics and inventory management systems. LRTA maintains fail-safe procedures and redundancy mechanisms for crucial systems including semi-annual maintenance of emergency generators and daily inspection of circuit breakers. Regular scenario-based drills involving train operators, station supervisors, medical staff, safety and security personnel, and maintenance teams test the Authority’s readiness for medical response, evacuation, and full-scale disaster scenarios.
The LRTA PCSP also has established coordination protocols with external government agencies, utility providers, and critical suppliers to ensure a unified and efficient emergency response. The Authority maintains regularly updated contacts with essential service providers including Meralco, Manila Water, Maynilad, PLDT, and Converge, with designated communication channels for rapid service restoration. The LRTA Risk Reduction Disaster Management Group (RRDMG) serves as the central coordinating body, managing liaison efforts with law enforcement, emergency services such as the Bureau of Fire Protection and local police, and conducting annual large-scale mock disaster drills with partner agencies.
LRTA Administrator Atty. Hernando T. Cabrera expressed pride in this achievement, commending the dedicated efforts of LRTA personnel who spearheaded the development of PSCP.
“I am proud of this milestone and grateful to all our personnel and offices who worked together tirelessly to craft a continuity plan tailor-fitted to LRTA’s needs.” Atty. Cabrera stated. “The riding public can rely on LRTA to continuously seek ways to ensure service continuity and resilience in the interest of our commuters.” he added.
The LRTA PSCP stands as a testament to the Authority’s commitment to its mandate and to the commuting public. This achievement reflects LRTA’s dedication to operational excellence and accountability in public service delivery. By pioneering continuity planning among GOCCs, LRTA sets a benchmark for resilient transportation infrastructure that prioritizes passenger safety and service reliability, and public trust.