Over 3,500 senior citizens and persons with disabilities attended the SM Cares Emergency Preparedness Forum 2026. Photo source: Mores Heramis, ABS-CBN News
Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines frequently experiences volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is currently monitoring volcanic activity at Mount Bulusan, Mayon Volcano, Taal Volcano, and Mount Kanlaon, while continuously issuing updates and safety advisories for nearby communities.
Micro-earthquakes occur almost daily, but strong disasters leave devastating consequences. The magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani on June 8 claimed 81 lives, affected 382,629 families, and caused more than P1.35 billion in infrastructure damage.
Natural disasters are not the only emergencies that communities face. Everyday incidents such as fires also pose constant risks.
Senior citizens and persons with disabilities are often among the most vulnerable when disasters strike. Damaged roads may make wheelchairs unusable, silent warning systems may leave deaf individuals unaware of danger, and many older adults cannot evacuate quickly during emergencies.
Vladimir Amadeus Felizco Medina takes on the lead to show how important it is for persons with disabilities to learn disaster preparedness. Photo source: Mores Heramis, ABS-CBN News
For Vladimir Amadeus Felizco Medina, who lives with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a rare genetic disorder that results in fragile bones, works for the Pasig City Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office, disaster preparedness may mean the difference between life and death.
"May nagsabi sa akin dati na kaming mga persons with disabilities ay may 4 na beses na tsansa na mamatay o mapahamak kapag may sakuna. Kaya napakahalaga na matuto ang mga persons with disabilities kung ano ang dapat gawin sa oras ng peligro para mas tumaas ang aming survival rate", said Medina.
(Someone told me before that for us persons with disabilities, we have four times the chance to die or to get hurt during disasters. Which is why it is important for persons with disabilities to learn what we should do in times of disaster in order for our survival rate to increase).
True safety means ensuring that no one is left behind. Equipping vulnerable sectors with the knowledge and skills to respond during emergencies helps build more resilient communities.
Handa Na!
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SM Cares Emergency Preparedness Forum 2026 provides information to more than 3,500 senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Photo source: Mores Heramis, ABS-CBN News
When disaster strikes, the question is simple: "Handa Ka Na Ba?" (Are you ready?).
More than 3,500 senior citizens and persons with disabilities gathered at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on July 20, 2026, for the SM Cares Emergency Preparedness Forum 2026. In line with SM's evolution as a truly inclusive Mall for All, the annual event assembled government officials, disaster experts, and community members to strengthen disaster readiness and promote a more resilient Philippines.
"For us at SM, standing as truly inclusive malls for all goes beyond shopping. It involves giving everyone. access to spaces that help inform, empower, and equip them for real life," said Jon-Jon San Agustin, Executive Vice President of SM Supermalls.
Photo source: Mores Heramis, ABS-CBN News
For more than a decade, SM Cares has championed inclusive disaster preparedness, helping redefine safe spaces for everyone.
San Agustin shared that although the disaster preparedness initiative officially began in 2015, SM's commitment to supporting senior citizens and persons with disabilities dates back to the early 2000s.
"The persons with disabilities and senior citizens are really close to our hearts at SM Supermalls. It is not only an advocacy program, but more importantly, it is a commitment to establish inclusivity for all our shoppers, and everyone who visits our malls," he added.
Learning lifesaving skills
Engr. Lorenzo Moron, NCR PAGASA Weather Services Chief, encouraged participants to rely on official weather advisories and take early action whenever severe weather threatens.
"Dapat laging naka-tune in sa PAGASA", said Moron.
He explained PAGASA's color-coded heavy rainfall warning system: Yellow indicates possible flooding, Orange signals the need to prepare for evacuation, and Red calls for immediate emergency response. Tropical cyclone wind signals were also discussed to help participants better understand weather alerts.
Engr. Lorenzo Moron explains PAGASA's color-coded heavy rainfall warning system. Photo source: Mores Heramis, ABS-CBN News
Moron also shared practical steps families may follow before, during, and after a storm.
Before and during a storm, families should stay indoors, prepare emergency supplies, save local DRRMO hotline numbers, and avoid floodwaters and electrical hazards.
After the storm, residents should inspect their homes for structural damage or gas leaks, wear protective gloves during cleanup, document property damage for insurance claims, and seek medical or mental health support when necessary.
Preparing for "The Big One"
PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol encouraged participants to prepare for "The Big One" through science-based information and accessible digital tools instead of feat.
Bacolcol explained that earthquakes are independent events and do not trigger one another. He noted that the West Valley Fault follows a movement cycle of approximately 400 to 600 years. Since its last major movement occurred in 1658, the fault remains capable of generating a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that may produce Intensity VIII ground shaking from Bulacan to Cavite, including Metro Manila.
Rather than panic, Bacolcol encouraged families to pray, stay informed, use PHIVOLCS and GeoRiskPH digital tools to assess potential hazards.
- Hazard HunterPH: Identifies natural hazards near any entered home address.
- PHIVOLCS FaultFinder: Measures the exact distance between a location and the nearest active fault.
- "How Safe Is My House?": Helps homeowners assess the structural safety of their homes.
- VolcanoPH Info and REDAS: Provide real-time volcanic updates and hazard information.
He also reminded participants to always carry a whistle as part of their emergency kit.
Disaster responder and emergency medicine physician Dr. Ted Esguerra energized the audience through live demonstrations that taught senior citizens and persons with disabilities practical survival techniques for fires and earthquakes.
Dr. Ted Esguerra explains practical survival techniques for fires and earthquakes. Photo source: Mores Heramis, ABS-CBN News
During the fire safety demonstration, Esguerra emphasized that smoke is often the greatest danger. He instructed participants to "Go Low", cover their noses, and move along the nearest wall, which may guide them toward doors or windows. Participants also learned the proper way to operate a fire extinguisher. Keeping a whistle readily accessible can also help rescuers locate people who need assistance.
"Kaya ng bansa maging disaster ready. Kailangan mag-collaborate ang church, academic sector, the LGU, private companies, and families living with seniors and people with disabilities," said Esguerra.
The forum concluded by asking participants, "Handa Na Ba Kayo? The audience responded with a resounding, "Handa Na!"
For Rosalinda Aciball, leader of the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, bringing a delegation of 70 senior citizens to the forum made the journey worthwhile.
"Importante sa lahat alam namin kung ano ang dapat gawin at para maging handa. Kasi mabagal na kaming kumilos, di ba? Aminado naman kami, mentally and physically, may pagbabago na. Kaya itong Disaster Preparedness mahalaga para maging matatag at maging handa sa anumang sakunang darating", said Aciball.
(It is important that everyone knows what to do and to always be prepared. Since we tend to move really slowly right? We admit it, mentally and physically, some things have changed for us. Which is why this Disaster Preparedness is really important for us to be strong and prepared for whatever disaster comes).
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The annual event gathers government leaders, disaster experts, and communities to unite to build a more resilient Philippines. Photo source: Mores Heramis, ABS-CBN News
San Agustin reaffirmed SM's long-term commitment to disaster preparedness by sharing plans to expand similar pocket activities and large-scale forums to all 90 SM malls nationwide.