Persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens were enlightened on the proper response to calamities especially earthquake and flooding during the Emergency Preparedness Forum 2024 held today July 12th at SM City San Pablo. The forum is an initiative of SM Supermalls through SM Cares, that aimed at supporting communities, especially the most vulnerable groups like the PWDs and the elderly, to become more resilient and prepared in times of disasters. From what used to be held in a single venue, SM Cares now brings the forum to 8 SM Malls nationwide which started on July 5 and will run until July 31, 2023.Present at the event are SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Engr. Bien C. Mateo, San Pablo City Vice Mayor Justin Colago and Laguna Board Member Karla Adajar , PAG ASA Assistant Weather Services Chief Chris Perez, PHILVOCS Chairmaine illamin and Disaster Management Specialist, Emergency Medical Director Dr. Mahar Lagmay and Disaster Management Specialist, Emergency Medical Technician, and Wilderness Search and Rescue Philippines Instructor Gerard “Doki” Natividad was also invited to share survival tips and tricks tailored to the needs of the attendees.
Participants in the forum were around 350 and all of them were provided an SM Emergency Pack, which consists of an emergency string bag, a 4mm rope, an emergency blanket, a whistle with lanyard, a mini-flashlight, and a survival tool card. Earthquake and flood simulators were also prepared by PAGASA and DOST to add to the participants’ learning experience.
“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,” said Mateo. “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.”
Since the forum first began in 2015, SM Cares has been able to provide training to 7,417 senior citizens and PWDs across the country since the forum’s conception, and was awarded Gold in 2020 and Silver in 2023 at the Public Relations Society of the Philippines’ annual Anvil Awards.
This initiative shows SM Cares’ support for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly “SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being”, “SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities”, and “SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities”.SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.
