SM inclusive disaster forum empowers elderly, PWDs across 5 cities

In celebration of National Disaster Resilience Month, SM Cares gathered more than 2,500 participants — including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, local officials, and volunteers — for its 2025 Emergency Preparedness Forum, reinforcing its nationwide push for inclusive disaster safety.

Now in its 10th year, the initiative has trained over 12,000 elderly and differently-abled individuals across the country since it began in 2015, aiming to equip vulnerable communities with life-saving knowledge and tools.

This year’s forum was held in five SM malls: SM City Davao on 30 June, SM City Sorsogon on 2 July, SM City Legazpi on 3 July, SM Seaside City Cebu on 7 July, and SM North EDSA Skydome in Metro Manila on 10 July. Each session was tailored to the specific hazards faced by the region, including typhoons, earthquakes, flooding, and volcanic activity.

Participants received interactive and accessible training on emergency responses, including assembling Go-Bags, building family disaster plans, and understanding early warning systems. Experts from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), PAGASA, and other agencies joined SM employee-volunteers to provide hands-on assistance, ensuring no one was left behind.

Disaster response expert Dr. Ted Esguerra led the survival readiness training.

“In any emergency, presence of mind and preparation can mean the difference between life and death. Forums like this empower the elderly and persons with disabilities by turning fear into readiness. It’s not about age or ability — it’s about knowing what to do, having the tools, and being mentally and emotionally prepared to act when it counts,” said Dr. Esguerra.

All participants received free Go-Bag starter kits containing emergency essentials, reinforcing the lessons learned during the sessions.

The forums were held in partnership with local government units and national agencies, including the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Coast Guard, National Commission of Senior Citizens, and the National Council on Disability Affairs.

“Preparedness is not just a responsibility — it’s a right that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability. Through this forum, we empower senior citizens and differently-abled members of our community with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe,” said Engr. Bien Mateo, SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs and Senior Citizens.

The initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those promoting good health, reduced inequality, and resilient communities.