PWDs, senior citizens learn emergency-proofing from experts

By Benilda Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon --- Over 300 senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) participated in an emergency preparedness forum in Sorsogon City, focusing on inclusive resilience and providing essential information for these vulnerable groups.

During the forum, elderly participants and PWDs learned how to protect themselves and effectively respond to various disasters, especially given Sorsogon’s susceptibility to natural calamities like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, typhoons, and flooding.

This forum was part of the broader celebration of National Disaster Resilience Month, whose theme this year is “Kumikilos para sa Kahandaan, Kaligtasan, at Katatagan (Acting for Preparedness, Safety, and Stability).”

The event featured talks from experts representing key agencies, who addressed specific disaster risks and provided practical guidance to the participants.

Ryan Orogo, chief meteorological officer of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), discussed how to prepare for hydro-meteorological hazards such as typhoons, heavy rains, and floods.

He emphasized the importance of paying attention to official advisories and understanding the risks associated with severe weather conditions.

Meanwhile, Raymond Patrick Maximo of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) talked about preparedness for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which are significant hazards in the Bicol region.

He reminded participants to rely on trusted sources of information, including Pagasa, Phivolcs, and local authorities.

Ted Esguerra of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent conducted an interactive demonstration on how seniors and PWDs can survive actual situations during calamities such as earthquakes, typhoons, and floods.

He shared practical techniques for self-protection, safe evacuation, and community cooperation during emergencies.

In an interview, Esguerra emphasized the importance of inclusive disaster preparedness, stating, “No one should be left behind—children, Indigenous peoples, the sick, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.

“All of them must be empowered and provided with support services so they can actively participate in ensuring safety” he added.

The event had a profound impact on the participants.

Beth Patria Agustin, a 70-year-old resident of Barangay Burabod, shared her thoughts: “The speakers were excellent. I learned so many things that I hadn’t known before. This seminar is very different.”

She added that she plans to share what she learned with her family and others in her barangay, especially with senior citizen officers, so they can help one another—particularly because there is an area in their barangay that frequently experiences flooding and always requires assistance from knowledgeable individuals about evacuation and rescue.

Barangay Burabod is one of the areas in Sorsogon City where, during consecutive rains, the water level rises above human height, leading to flooding.

The event was organized by SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the Office of Civil Defense, the National Council on Disability Affairs, and the National Commission of Senior Citizens). (with reports from Bert Jr. Bueza, PIA Bicol/Sorsogon)

Senior citizens and persons with disabilities actively participate in the whistle drill during the emergency preparedness forum. (Photo: PIA Sorsogon)