(L-R): Pasay City Chief of Staff Peter Pardo, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific June Kunugi, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Director Louie Puracan, SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction His Excellency Kamal Kishore, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Communications Manager Afrhill Rances
The SM Mall of Asia has hosted a series of events aimed at raising awareness and encouraging collective response in safeguarding communities from natural and man-made disasters for a safer future.
The events coincided with the Philippines’ hosting of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) which was attended by global leaders, government officials, United Nations (UN) representatives, and civil society organizations from Oct. 14 to 18 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
The event started with the "Are You Ready?" art exhibition that is seen as a powerful platform for change and showcased thought-provoking artworks that highlighted the challenges and solutions related to disaster risk reduction in Asia and the Pacific.
Students complete a questionnaire reflecting on the Are You Ready art exhibit.
The exhibition aimed to raise awareness and inspire action to build more resilient communities, aligning with the theme of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 and was a product of the collaborative effort by one of Asia’s leading integrated property developers SM Prime, together with its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Philippine government, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
A panel discussion was also held to address key issues concerning DRR in schools. It was moderated by UNDRR’s Rosalind Cook.
Panelists discussed the Comprehensive School Safety Framework 2022-2030 and the necessity of empowering the youth to contribute to DRR strategies. Participants emphasized the importance of knowledge and skills-building among students specifically on disaster preparedness.
Another event provided interactive training on fire safety and prevention through the Fire Square Roadshow, an initiative by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Attendees underwent workshops on first aid, proper use of fire extinguishers, electrical safety, and rappelling, among others.
SM Supermalls President Steven Tan engages in a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
Live demonstrations on rappelling and emergency response showcased the BFP's capabilities in handling emergency situations while educational materials were also provided for children and families on fire safety and emergency preparedness.
The event demonstrated the power of collaboration in addressing disaster risks. By prioritizing education, empowering youth, and promoting awareness about disaster preparedness, the Asia-Pacific region can work towards a future where communities are better equipped to mitigate the impacts of disasters and help shape a better future for all.