MMDA leads SM’s biggest PWD rescue training

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recently led a joint training session with SM Supermalls on how to rescue persons with disabilities (PWD) during disasters. The training coincided with the observance of the International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) as declared by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR).

During the live demonstration held at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, MMDA rescue volunteers drilled participants, consisting mostly of SM front-liners and emergency teams, on rescue tactics in simulated emergency scenarios. Over 300 participants completed the training.

“PWDs are the most vulnerable individuals during emergency situations such as natural disasters,” said SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs Bien Mateo. “It is only proper for any organization to include them in their disaster planning, which is why we are equipping our staff to be more knowledgeable in responding to their delicate needs.”

The drill was a project of SM Cares, the SM Supermalls’ CSR arm, which has been supporting various PWD organizations. The disaster risk preparedness training drill was also in partnership with the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA), with some of its members helping with the simulations.

“PWDs always feel safe in SM malls because of the PWD-friendly facilities. It’s important for us to feel safe all the time especially during times of disaster,” says Carmen Zubiaga, acting executive director of NCDA.

“This is the biggest DRR training, though not the first, that we conducted with SM for PWDs so far. We hope to make a series out of this, and make SM as the model for other malls to emulate when it comes to DRR training for their frontliners,” added MMDA’s disaster training head Gerry Ilagan.   

Early this year, the SM Prime received a total of 21 awards in the 27th Apolinario Mabini Awards held annually by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc.


Press release and photos from the Metro Manila Development Authority