Outlook on Business Continuity: Ensuring Resilience in Times of Disruption

By Ron Cervantes

Business Continuity has become a key focus for NLEX Corporation, especially after recently achieving ISO 22301 certification for its Business Continuity Management System (BCMS). This milestone reassures stakeholders that the organization is well-prepared for disruptions of varying severity.

Disruptions to critical processes or functions of the expressway can occur at any time. Events such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, storms, or cyber incidents can cause these disruptions. It is crucial to have a comprehensive plan in place to protect the company’s reputation. The plan should also safeguard its employees and stakeholders.

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The ISO 22301 BCMS is more than just a certificate to showcase. It represents a commitment to being capable of responding to any disaster. It also represents a commitment to recovering from any disaster. A Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is a documented guide. It helps organizations like NLEX Corporation respond to disruptions. It also helps them resume, recover, and restore service delivery. All of this is in line with their business continuity objectives. It includes strategies developed by critical processes. These strategies mitigate the impact of disasters. They protect the welfare of employees and stakeholders. They ensure the recovery of essential services for customers.

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A Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is crucial for NLEX Corporation. It ensures the uninterrupted operation of its essential services. This is especially important given its role in managing one of the Philippines’ major expressways. The company minimizes downtime by identifying potential risks. It develops strategies to mitigate them to maintain the safety and convenience of motorists. This proactive approach not only protects the company’s assets and personnel. It also ensures that the expressway remains operational. Keeping the expressway operational is vital for the economy and daily life in the region.

Moreover, a robust BCP enhances NLEX Corporation’s reputation and reliability. In times of crisis, stakeholders look for assurance. This group includes customers, employees, and investors. They need to know that the company can handle unexpected events effectively. A well-prepared BCP demonstrates NLEX Corporation’s commitment to resilience and continuity, fostering trust and confidence among its stakeholders. This trust is essential for maintaining long-term relationships and can provide a competitive advantage in the industry.

BCP is not designed solely for the organization’s benefit. Some may argue that it aims to maintain services and generate profit despite adverse situations. However, focusing on the broader context is essential. The plan emphasizes protecting the welfare of the people within the organization. It ensures they can withstand disasters. Business recovery follows thereafter.

In today’s context, Business Continuity is highly relevant. The Philippines is situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Pacific Typhoon Belt. It frequently experiences storms, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. With a robust BCP, the impact of these threats can be mitigated, helping people to resiliently overcome them.


Ronilo G. Cervantes Jr, Compliance and Business Excellence Department – Continuous Improvement Specialist. Ron started working for NLEX in July 2023. He’s an ambivert who believes that learning is infinite and there are lessons you can’t learn from school.


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