Elderly Filipinos and persons with disabilities (PWDs) were taught about storm signals and survival tips in a disaster preparedness event in Pasay City on July 4.
Called the Emergency Preparedness Forum, the event aims to help the most vulnerable sectors of society be disaster-ready. It was also in line with the commemoration of National Disaster Resilience Month this July.
The event, which was the first of the eight forums for this year, was held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.
In the forum, a panel of experts discussed and shared their insights and observations about natural hazards.
The panel members are:
- Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) OIC Administrator Dr. Esperanza Cayanan
- Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Senior Supervising Science Research Specialist Jeffrey Perez
- University of the Philippines Resilience Institute Executive Director Dr. Mahar Lagmay
They tackled the levels of danger of the Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) system. They also informed the attendees about the measures to be done if state meteorologists raised them during a weather disturbance.
To give them an overview, the attendees were offered simulations of floods and earthquakes through science-backed exhibits at the venue.
LOOK: Experts Mahar Lagmay, Esperanza Cayanan and Jeffrey Perez discuss emergency preparedness to seniors and PWDs in a forum at SM Mall of Asia. @interaksyon pic.twitter.com/shCeTVhrtN
— Catalina (@ricci_catalina) July 5, 2023
After the forum, senior citizens and PWDs were then shown how to survive for themselves during these emergencies.
These tips and tricks were demonstrated by Disaster Management Specialist, Emergency Medical Technician and Wilderness Search and Rescue Philippines Instructor Gerard “Doki” Natividad.
By the end of the session, guests were provided free emergency kits as part of SM Supermalls’ preparedness initiative. The kit comprises:
- A 4-mm rope
- An emergency blanket
- A whistle with a lanyard
- A mini-flashlight
- A survival tool card
In a statement, SM Supermalls senior vice president Bien Mateo said that SM Cares believes that “no one should be left behind” in any emergency.
“In preparing for emergencies and calamities, SM Cares believes that no one should be left behind. That is what inspires us to continue mounting this Emergency Preparedness Forum,” Mateo said.
“Our goal is to empower our senior citizens and PWDs with the essential survival skills and know-how so that they will be ready for any circumstance,” he added.
Prior to this, a pledge of commitment was signed between SM Supermalls and its partner organizations.
Signatories were:
- Mateo
- Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Under Secretary Ariel Nepomuceno
- Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Acting Assistant. General Manager Victor Trinidad
- National Commission of Senior Citizens Chairperson Franklin Quijano
- National Council on Disability Affairs Executive Director Joniro Fredejas
The Emergency Preparedness Forum was organized by SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls.
