SM Cares champions disaster resilience among senior citizens, PWDs with Emergency Preparedness Forum 2023

SM Cares continues to empower senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to become more resilient in the face of disasters with the return of the organization’s annual Emergency Preparedness Forum, in partnership with Office of Civil Defense, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and the UP Resilience Institute.

In celebration of National Disaster Resilience Month, this year’s forum is set to be held the entire month of July in eight different locations, starting on July 5, 2023, Wednesday, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City. Subsequent locations include SM City Tuguegarao, SM City San Pablo, SM Center Lemery, SM City Consolacion, SM Center Ormoc, SM Lanang Premier, and SM City Bacolod.

The Emergency Preparedness Forum was designed with the goal of helping vulnerable sectors like senior citizens and PWDs become better prepared for unforeseen events. The event will include lectures from emergency preparedness and disaster resilience experts like PHIVOLCS

Supervising Science Research

Specialist Jeffrey Perez, PAGASA Officer-In-Charge Dr. Esperanza

O. Cayanan, and University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UPRI) Executive Director Dr. Mahar Lagmay. Meanwhile, essential and practical survival tips tailored to the needs of senior citizens and PWDs will also be shared by rescue and survival expert, Dr. Ted Esguerra.

“SM Cares believes that emergency preparedness should be inclusive. Senior citizens and PWDs are the sectors that are most vulnerable and at risk during natural disasters, and we want them to be equipped and ready for whatever may come,” said SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Engr. Bien C. Mateo. “The Emergency Preparedness Forum this year will be introduced to new locations with the goal of building more resilient communities.”

SM Cares’ Emergency Preparedness Forum has shown consistent success and growth since it first began. In 2022, SM Cares recorded a total of 1,983 forum participants across 4 sessions. The

IN support of the National Disaster Resilience Month this July, Hedcor donated various resources for the enhancement of emergency response capabilities to the indigenous peoples (IP) communities in the municipalities of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon and Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur.

The Disaster Risk Reduction Office in Impasug-ong received stretchers for outpatient transport vehicles to be used for the secure and effective transfer of injured individuals, as well as emergency lights, which can improve visibility when needed during emergency operations.

Hedcor also provided essential tools for search and rescue operations, such as kernmantle ropes, trauma bags/jump kits, valve masks, rain boots, shovels, vests, hard hats, raincoats and chest rigs.

Municipal Mayor Anthony Uy said that the collaboration between the LGU and Hedcor resulted in the identification of these essential items, which play a vital role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of emergency responders.

“By providing these tools and equipment to the responders, Hedcor has strengthened the emergency response capabilities of the municipality and safeguarded the well-being of the responders and the community,” he said. Meanwhile, in light of the urgency to provide timely aid in crucial situations, Hedcor also extended support to Barangay Sibulan in the Municipality of Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur by granting a multipurpose/rescue vehicle to aid the community.

“Hedcor helps us in creating a safer and more resilient community,” Barangay Captain Danilo Abe shared. “The rescue vehicle will enhance our ability to carry out rescue operations efficiently and effectively, empowering our responders and authorities to promptly address emergencies.”

“Hedcor believes that building disaster resilience is not just about preparedness, but also about empowering communities with the right tools and equipment to withstand the storms that life throws at them,” said Hedcor President and COO Rolando G. Pacquiao. “Our assistance goes beyond a mere contribution; it represents our willingness to help protect lives, foster optimism and cultivate resilience.” initiative also shows SM Cares’ support of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly “SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being”, “SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities”, and “SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities”.

Hedcor continues to carry out sustainable development initiatives to create a positive impact in its host communities.

Hedcor is the renewable energy subsidiary of AboitizPower, celebrating 45 years of Transforming Energy for a Better World.

THE new generation of Filipino families is becoming more practical, especially with the rising cost of living. Nowadays, they find it much better to make everything cost-effective, including their meals. While this is a more sustainable and innovative choice, some families sacrifice their overall nutrition to keep things on a budget.

That is why, in keeping with this year’s celebration of Nutrition Month, with the theme “Healthy diet gawing affordable for all!” the National Nutrition Council (NNC) wants to spread the message that every Filipino family should have greater access to healthy, safe, and affordable food. The theme also emphasizes making food commodities more stable and sufficient for every household.

A healthy lifestyle should not drain the family’s bank account. That is why Santé, a premier natural health and wellness product and service provider, supports this year’s Nutrition Month campaign by sharing a helpful guide on how you and your family can cultivate a healthy lifestyle on a budget. Prepare home-cooked meals with affordable but nutritious ingredients. While home-cooked meals are typical in Filipino households, you may sacrifice the meal you prepare because of the need for more time and resources. You may cook fried, processed food (e.g., hotdogs, longganisa, tocino, noodles, etc.) and canned goods. But there will always be more accessible, affordable, and healthier meals that you can prepare. You can start by exploring healthy dishes with cheap ingredients like ginisang ampalaya, stir-fried tofu with eggplant, tinolang isda, monggo with malunggay, and more.

Coffee, which can boost your family’s energy while providing fiber and protein. There’s also Santé Choco Barley for the kids to enjoy because it’s a sweet treat packed with vitamins such as A and C. And for dads, Santé Boost Coffee can improve their physical performance and is full of antioxidants because it contains Tongkat Ali. All of these consist of Santé Barley Grass, certified organic by BioGro. That is why you’ll never doubt the nutrients and vitamins these products can give to your family.

Exercise as a family. Exercise doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Look for free activities such as walking, biking, hiking, or playing in local parks. Explore workout videos or apps that offer home-based exercises without requiring expensive gym memberships or equipment. And allow your kids to play outside after school or after finishing their homework.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative. To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

Shop smarter and healthier. The local wet and dry market will be your best friend if you want your family to keep things on a budget. You can buy everything in bulk and get enough fresh produce to sustain your family for at least two weeks. Stop buying frozen goods and opt for whole foods such as grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, which are usually affordable and nutritious.

Regarding grocery shopping, look for promos and discounts and buy generic brands to stretch your budget further. Consider buying in bulk for non-perishable items like grains, nuts, and seeds.

Invest in and explore health and wellness resources. Nutrition doesn’t always come from food; it also comes from the vitamins and nutrients you and your family can take. Always make sure that you set aside a budget to sustain your family’s daily vitamins. And don’t forget to go for generics.

You can also substitute other daily drinks with healthier ones. For instance, Santé offers a variety of healthy drinks, such as Santé Fusion

Remember, health and wellness should start within the family. It should be a collective effort to make everyone live healthier lives, but that does not mean it should be expensive and burdensome.

“We believe that the journey towards a healthy lifestyle is continuous. When families start nurturing a culture of wellness, they are investing in the present and laying the foundation for a future filled with vitality and joy,” said Joey Marcelo, chief executive officer of Santé.

Santé is one of the leading global manufacturers of products with organic barley grass (certified organic by BioGro) grown and harvested in New Zealand. With its mission to help people live better lives, the company promotes, produces, and distributes premier natural health and wellness products and services. Santé reminds everyone only to buy Santé products from legitimate business owners and resellers and to report counterfeits.

To learn more about Santé Fusion Coffee, Santé Choco Barley, Santé Boost Coffee, and other Santé products, visit its website at mySanté.com.

Tet Andolong