400 seniors, PWDs learn life-saving emergency skills

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- More than 400 senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Albay learned emergency survival skills during an Emergency Preparedness Forum held in observance of National Disaster Resilience Month.

The forum aimed to equip these vulnerable groups with practical knowledge on how to respond to disasters such as earthquakes, floods, fires, and volcanic eruptions.

“This training is beneficial for us because it was tailored to our specific disabilities,” said Annecita Abion, head of the Albay Provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Office (APPDAO).

Abion praised the trainers for their sensitivity to the participants’ disabilities.

“It’s rare to find trainers who truly understand all types of disabilities. We were taught how to survive during an earthquake, fire, and flood,” she stated.

Abion called for more in-depth and localized training sessions throughout the province to address the unique needs of individuals, considering both their disabilities and the specific hazards present in their communities.

Life-saving skills

Disaster response expert Ted Esguerra led practical sessions, demonstrating safe techniques for crossing floodwaters, taking cover during earthquakes, and evacuating during fires and volcanic eruptions.

“We teach them how to safely cross floodwaters, navigate during an earthquake, escape from fires, and evacuate in case of a Mayon Volcano eruption,” Esguerra explained.

Experts from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and Pagasa also provided briefings on disaster risks and early warning systems related to typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

For Edith Lawenko Manila, 87, acting president of the Association of Senior Citizens in Bicol, the forum was not only informative but also empowering.

“The speakers are true experts. They provided us with essential information about disasters. Much of what they shared was new to us, as we seldom have forums like this,” she stated.

Vicente Reales, a 46-year-old polio survivor, shared a similar perspective.

“This forum is beneficial. Now I know how to protect myself in case calamities occur,” he remarked.

Inclusive preparedness

The National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC) Bicol emphasized the importance of empowering the elderly and PWDs through inclusive disaster preparedness.

“At NCSC, we believe no one is ever too old to learn, lead, or rise in times of crisis,” said Eden Flores, officer-in-charge at NCSC Bicol. “We fully support initiatives like this, not only to raise awareness but also to empower individuals to act, protect, and serve others.”

According to Henrick Jefferson Ung, assistant mall manager of SM City Legazpi, the goal of the forum was to build confidence and resilience among participants.

“We want them to feel empowered and know they are never alone during emergencies,” he said.

Participants also received emergency starter kits, which contained whistles, flashlights, ropes, lighters, and other essential tools to help them survive and respond effectively during disasters.

SM Cares organized the forum in partnership with local and national government agencies. (Raiza Lucido contributed to this article/PIA5/Albay)