The North Luzon Expressway and the local government unit of Marilao have partnered to help rescue and care for stray animals found along the expressway corridor as part of the former’s ‘I Care for Strays Program.’ Through the partnership, NLEX has established a dedicated Animal Rescue Team (ART), with training conducted by the LGU’s Animal Shelter and Care Facility (ASCF).
As part of the training, the 31 members of ART were taught proper handling techniques to safely bring animals from the expressway to the ASCF for the necessary care. These personnel were also vaccinated to minimize the risk of contracting rabies and other diseases.
Launched in 2024, the NLEX I Care for Strays Program stands as part of the Metro Pacific Tollway Company’s Mission Road Safety campaign. The program’s first phase focused on promoting responsible pet ownership in host communities through seminars, free anti-rabies vaccines, deworming, and spay-and-neuter services.
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For the program’s second phase, NLEX says it continues to implement proactive engineering and community-based measures to prevent animals from accidentally getting on the highway. These measures include intensified daily perimeter fence inspections, reinforced drainage culverts, and partnerships with neighboring barangays to foster responsible pet ownership at the grassroots level.
“This partnership forms a vital part of our overarching advocacy for road safety,” said NLEX president and general manager Luis Reñon. “Through the NLEX I Care for Strays Program, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting both motorists and animals. The initiative aims to reduce stray-animal-related incidents through responsible rescue operations, proper animal care, and strong collaboration with local government units.”
“We are deeply grateful to NLEX for this initiative. This marks the first time an LGU and
NLEX have collaborated to achieve two vital goals: keeping our motorists safe from the
hazards posed by stray animals on high-speed roads and also ensuring the welfare of the
animals themselves. This successfully delivers on both,” added Marilao mayor Atty. Jemina Sy.
