TAGUIG CITY, Metro Manila—In a move toward proactive risk governance, the PNOC conducted its first official Risk Assessment Workshop on May 7–8, 2025, bringing together associates to reinforce the company’s approach to risk management. The two-day workshop was spearheaded by the Strategy Management Office–Corporate Planning Division.
The workshop convened senior officials along with department managers and selected associates from various units. Designed to strengthen PNOC’s organizational resilience, the sessions focused on identifying critical risks, evaluating mitigation strategies, and aligning efforts with the company’s corporate objectives.
PNOC Senior Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services Atty. Josephine Cassandra J. Cui emphasized the workshop’s strategic value, stating that risk management should not be viewed merely as a compliance requirement but as a critical driver of preparedness and innovation. “By identifying vulnerabilities early and collectively addressing them, we strengthen not only our operations but also our ability to innovate and grow with confidence,” she said.
Facilitated by Augustus Caesar Esmeralda, President and Managing Director of Ace and Associates Risk Management, Inc., the session highlighted the emerging threats across physical, digital, and geopolitical domains. Drawing on decades of experience in security, crisis response, and business continuity, Mr. Esmeralda framed the workshop within a broader context of organizational readiness. “Assessment is the essential foundation of any plan, program, or intervention. It must be objective and data-driven to ensure informed and effective decision-making,” he noted.
The workshop provided a comprehensive overview of modern risk management, highlighting corporate vulnerabilities, continuity planning, and the shift from siloed practices to integrated frameworks. Participants explored various risk typologies and emphasized governance, accountability, and the role of risk managers in building a resilient organization. Using the PNOC’s Comprehensive Risks Assessment and Management Tool, participating units and departments conducted hands-on risk assessments and proposed mitigation strategies, identifying shared vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement.
PNOC President and CEO Oliver B. Butalid, in his closing remarks, identified attitudinal risk as one of the greatest challenges PNOC faces today, especially in light of developments such as the Malampaya banked gas depletion and ongoing legal matters. “It cannot be business as usual,” he stressed. He underscored the importance of balanced risk attitudes, proactive communication, and alignment with national priorities. He also urged the workforce to embrace change and build a robust risk management system that not just documents the obvious, but raises early warning signs.
