In celebration of National Disaster Resilience Month, SM Cares conducted the Emergency Preparedness Forum 2025, reaffirming its commitment to making disaster preparedness inclusive and life-saving for all—especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Since 2015, this annual initiative has trained more than 12,000 elderly and differently-abled participants across the country, equipping them with critical tools and knowledge to face emergencies with confidence.
A nationwide movement for inclusive safety
This year’s forum gathered over 2,500 participants across five SM malls: SM City Davao (June 30), SM City Sorsogon (July 2), SM City Legazpi (July 3), SM Seaside City Cebu (July 7), and SM North EDSA Skydome (July 10).
The forum served as a learning hub tailored to regional risks including typhoons, earthquakes, flooding, and volcanic eruptions, bringing together senior citizens, persons with disabilities, barangay officials, SM employees, and frontliners.
From awareness to action
Participants received interactive training on earthquake and typhoon response, building family disaster plans, assembling Go-Bags, and understanding early warning systems from PHIVOLCS and PAGASA. Each participant received a free Emergency Go-Bag Starter Pack with essential items.
Disaster response expert Dr. Ted Esguerra led dynamic sessions, stating: “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.”
“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.
SM Cares’ Emergency Preparedness Forum supports 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.
