SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to support of UNISDR ARISE, recently hosted the 2nd Disaster Resilience Conference for Persons with Disabilities at the SMX Conference Center, Pasay City.
The Philippines is located along the so-called Ring of Fire, a vast Pacific Ocean region where many of Earth’s earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. A 2004 study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Metropolitan Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS), indicated that an earthquake hitting Metro Manila could destroy 40% of the buildings in the metropolis and kill about 34,000. According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), movement in the West Valley Fault will cause the most severe damage.
Two major fault lines are located near the City of Manila. First is the West Valley Fault, which experts believe could trigger a 7.2 magnitude earthquake once it moves. Second is the fault line in Manila Trench, which may cause 7.9 magnitude earthquake.
Due to their limitations on mobility and awareness, it is recognized that PWDs and Senior Citizens are the most disenfranchised and are at most disadvantage during these disasters. It is because of this potential scenario that SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility Program of SM Prime Holdings, held the 2nd Disaster Resilience Conference for Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizens.
In this regard, the 2nd Disaster Resilience Conference for Persons with Disabilities aims to provide adequate information to PWDs and Senior Citizens about the reality of a potential earthquake/disaster scenario happening in Metro Manila, make the PWDs and Senior Citizens informed, better prepared and resilient during times of disasters and calamities; equip the caregivers of PWDs and Senior Citizens, of knowledge and preparedness during times of disasters; and teach basic survival tips to PWDs and Senior Citizens after a disaster has occurred.
Among the topics discussed were:
“Potential major earthquake scenario and vulnerability of Metro Manila” by PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr.
Government’s Action Plan on Resiliency by MMDA Chairman Hon. Emerson Carlos
Emergency and survival tips during and after an earthquake for both PWDs and their companions by International Disaster Response Network Operational Medicine Instructor Dr. Ted Esguerra
SM Supermalls President Annie S. Garcia and AKAP Pinoy President Ret. Navy Caption Oscar Taleon were also present during the conference.
