SM Cares continues to empower senior citizens, PWDs in emergency preparedness

by Madge Resurreccion / July 6, 2023

SM Cares recently partnered with the Office of Civil Defense, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and the UP Resilience Institute for the return of its annual Emergency Preparedness Forum catering to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs)–in line with the celebration of the National Disaster Resilience Month.

The Emergency Preparedness Forum 2023, which aims to help vulnerable sectors like senior citizens and PWDs become better prepared for unforeseen events, will be held the entire month of July in eight different locations, which started on July 5, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City. Subsequent locations include SM City Tuguegarao, SM City San Pablo, SM Center Lemery, SM City Consolacion, SM Center Ormoc, SM Lanang Premier, and SM City Bacolod.

SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Engr. Bien C. Mateo noted that the Emergency Preparedness Forum 2023 will be held in new locations to build more resilient communities. 

“SM Cares believes that emergency preparedness should be inclusive. Senior citizens and PWDs are the sectors that are most vulnerable and at risk during natural disasters, and we want them to be equipped and ready for whatever may come,” Mateo said.

The event will include lectures from emergency preparedness and disaster resilience experts such as PHIVOLCS Supervising Science Research Specialist Mr. Jeffrey Perez, PAGASA Officer-In-Charge Dr. Esperanza O. Cayanan, and University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UPRI) Executive Director Dr. Mahar Lagmay. Meanwhile, essential and practical survival tips tailored to the needs of senior citizens and PWDs will also be shared by rescue and survival expert, Dr. Ted Esguerra.

The Emergency Preparedness Forum has shown consistent success and growth since its launch, according to SM Cares. Last year, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls recorded a total of 1,983 forum participants across four sessions. The initiative also shows SM Cares’ support of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

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