MANILA, Philippines. July 20, 2026. Preparedness became a shared promise as SM Cares and SM Supermalls brought together 3,500 senior citizens, persons with disabilities, caregivers, family members, community leaders, and disaster preparedness advocates for the Emergency Preparedness Forum 2026 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.
Held in observance of National Disaster Resilience Month, and in line with SM’s pursuit of standing as a truly inclusive Mall for All, the forum placed inclusion at the heart of emergency readiness.
Recognizing how disasters affect entire communities, especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities, SM Cares sought to empower members of these vulnerable groups by equipping them with proactive, life-saving practices through the forum.
“Preparedness becomes truly meaningful when everyone is given the knowledge and confidence to act,” said Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls. “Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may face unique challenges during emergencies, which is why they must be included at every stage of disaster planning. For over a decade we have been bringing practical, science-based guidance closer to them, we hope to help build safer families, stronger communities, and a more resilient nation where no one is left behind.”
Through accessible, science-based discussions and practical demonstrations, participants learned how to prepare for earthquakes, typhoons, floods, fires, and other emergencies. Sessions covered hazard awareness, family emergency planning, personal safety, early warning systems, go-bag preparation, and survival techniques that participants can apply at home and within their communities.
Leading the learning sessions were some of the country’s foremost disaster and weather experts. Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, Director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, shared insights on earthquakes, hazard awareness, and science-based disaster risk reduction. Engr. Lorenzo A. Moron, Weather Services Chief of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) NCR Regional Services Division, discussed weather-related hazards, typhoon preparedness, climate resilience, and early warning systems.
Emergency preparedness advocate and survival expert Doc Ted Esguerra also demonstrated practical response strategies and potentially life-saving techniques for use during emergencies.
The forum was also supported by the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA). These offices were represented by Atty. Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, NCSC and Mr. Exequiel A. Francisco, Chief Administrative Officer (NCDA), reinforcing the importance of including older persons and persons with disabilities in disaster planning and resilience-building. The Pasay City Local Government Unit also reinforced its support through a special message from Mayor Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano delivered by Ms. Angelica Roa Yap of the Mayor’s Office Social Services arm.
Through the partnership of Honor and Cyberzone, select attendees received free smartphone units that could support their preparedness, and all participants received SM Cares Emergency Go Bags containing practical essentials to help equip their household resilience.
Organized with the support of the NCSC, NCDA, PHIVOLCS, and PAGASA, the forum reflected SM Cares’ belief that resilience begins when knowledge is made accessible to everyone. By equipping vulnerable sectors with practical skills, confidence, and reliable information, the initiative helps build communities where no one faces an emergency unprepared or alone.
The Emergency Preparedness Forum forms part of SM Cares’ broader commitment to inclusion, community empowerment, and nation-building.
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