500 Seniors, PWDs join SM Cares’ Emergency Preparedness Forum in Davao City

SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Bien Mateo (center) together with guests and participants of the Emergency Preparedness Forum conducted by SM Cares at SM Lanang on July 28.

Some 500 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens in Davao City gathered for the Emergency Preparedness Forum organized by SM Cares at the SM Lanang Cinema 6 on Friday, July 28.

SM Cares conducted the forum in celebration of National Disaster Resilience Month with the goal to educate participants on natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions, and equip them with essential survival tips to prepare for these situations.

The forum also recognizes the capability of seniors and PWDs as leaders in their households and communities, especially in times of natural disasters.

“Naniniwala po ang SM Cares na walang dapat maiwanan, may edad man o may kapansanan, pagdating sa kahandaan sa mga kalamidad. Sa pamamagitan ng Emergency Preparedness Forum na ito, tuturuan natin ang mga senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities ng iba’t-ibang survival tips na maghahanda sa kanila sa iba’t-ibang uri ng sakuna,” SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Bien Mateo said.

Disaster Management Specialist Dr. Ted Esguerra discussing survival tips for senior citizens and PWDs at the Emergency Preparedness Forum conducted by SM Cares at SM Lanang on July 28.

Among the guest speakers for the forum were Jeffrey Perez, Supervising Science Research Specialist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Lolita Vinalay, Chief Meteorological Officer of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) Davao; and Disaster Management Specialist Dr. Ted Esguerra.

Since the forum’s inception in 2015, SM Cares has been able to provide training to 7,417 senior citizens and PWDs across the country. It has received accolades such as the Gold and Silver Awards from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines’ annual Anvil Awards in 2020 and 2023, respectively. 

This initiative is part of SM Cares' push to contribute to the achievement of 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, PWDs, women and breastfeeding mothers, children and youth, senior citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.