SM Cares Empowers Senior Citizens and PWDs with Visayas Leg of Emergency Preparedness Forum 2025 at SM Seaside City Cebu

In celebration of National Disaster Resilience Month, SM Cares gathered communities, local governments, experts, and volunteers for the Visayas leg of its Emergency Preparedness Forum (EPF) 2025 at SM Seaside City Cebu on July 7, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive, life-saving disaster readiness for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Since 2015, this annual initiative has trained over 7,400 elderly and PWDs nationwide, equipping them with essential tools and knowledge to face emergencies confidently.

This year’s Visayas leg brought together around 400 senior citizens, PWDs, barangay officials, SM employees, and frontliners at the Mountain Wing Atrium for practical training on typhoon and earthquake response, family disaster planning, Go-Bag essentials, and early warning systems from PHIVOLCS and PAGASA. Expert speakers included Dr. Ted Esguerra, Charmaine Villamil (PHIVOLCS), and Vhan Therese Sabellano (PAGASA).

SM Cares Program Director for Senior Citizens and Disability Affairs, Engr. Bien Mateo

“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 our senior citizens and PWDs with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe,” said Engr. Bien Mateo, SM Cares Program Director for Senior Citizens and Disability Affairs.

As part of the forum, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), led by Deputy Chief for Operations Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu, turned over the “Fireman’s Ladder: A Fire & Life Safety Game” to help participants learn fire safety in an engaging way.

“Ang isa po sa naghatag sa maong inisyatibo is SM, sila jud ang nag force sa amoa nga dili lang ta mag-focus sa mga ingon ani nga sector (regular civilians), i-apil jud ang mga sector nga nagkinahanglan og tabang (senior citizens and PWDs),” said Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu. He emphasized that SM Supermalls pushed them to extend their efforts beyond regular civilians and include sectors that need more support, such as senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

As the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, SM Cares continues to champion inclusivity and community development with initiatives like this, reminding senior citizens and PWDs that they are seen, valued, and capable of staying safe and resilient. The forum also empowers communities to better protect and support vulnerable sectors, fostering a culture of preparedness and compassion for all.