Maxim Rides & Food Delivery Supports Typhoon Tino Victims in Negros Occidental

Negros Occidental, Philippines – Maxim Rides & Food Delivery driver-partners recently organized a relief effort to aid families in Negros Occidental impacted by Typhoon Tino. The initiative provided essential supplies to communities in Barangay Singcang, Bacolod City, and Barangay RSB, La Carlota City.

In Barangay Singcang, 50 families received key supplies, including five sacks of rice (one five-kilo pack per family) and 17 boxes of bottled water (one 6-litter bottle per family). The distribution was led by Barangay Captain Rosinie Distrito at the Barangay Hall.

In Barangay RSB, La Carlota City, more than 60 families benefitted from Maxim’s relief efforts. Led by Barangay Captain Socrates Martin Guba, the drive provided five sacks of rice (50 kilograms each) and 45 boxes of six-liter bottled water.

Maxim’s relief efforts are part of its ongoing commitment to assist communities during crises. Andres Jr. Morales, Head of Maxim Bacolod, expressed, "The donation was aimed at easing the immediate hardships faced by affected families in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino.”

Known for its reliable ride-hailing and food delivery services, Maxim is also recognized for its community-driven initiatives. Through efforts like this donation drive, Maxim continues to contribute to the well-being of Filipino communities, especially in times of need.

Typhoon Safety Tips from SM

When the skies darken and storm alerts dominate the news, the best thing you can do is be prepared. Typhoons in the Philippines are growing stronger and less predictable, but with the right tools and information, you can weather any storm safely. Here are five life-saving tips to help protect your home and family.

Stay Informed. Knowledge is your first line of defense. Tune in to trusted weather bulletins and updates from credible sources. A rechargeable vintage radio from Surplus ensures you stay connected even during power outages—no WiFi or signal needed.

Be Ready. Don’t wait until it’s too late to gather your emergency essentials. Ready-to-use first aid kits from Watsons and flashlights, batteries, ropes, and emergency tools from Ace Hardware can make all the difference. And remember to withdraw cash in advance, since ATMs may be inaccessible during or after a storm.

Stock Food Supplies. Secure at least three days’ worth of clean drinking water and ready-to-eat food. Visit SM Supermarket and SM Hypermarket ahead of time to build your emergency pantry while supplies are still plenty.

Secure your Home. Before the storm hits, check for loose roofing, shaky windows, or rusted locks. Reinforce weak spots with tools, sealants, and home repair items from Ace Hardware, all under one roof at your nearest SM mall.

Prepare for Power Outages. Electricity is often the first thing to go during a storm. Stay comfortable and safe by investing in a portable generator. Ask the experts at Ace Hardware for energy-efficient options that can power your essentials without breaking the bank.

All these items and more are available at SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela. Whether it’s a simple flashlight or a full emergency setup, you’ll find everything you need to stay storm-ready.

Stay safe. Stay prepared. And let SM help you weather any storm.

Why Disaster Preparedness Should be Part of Your Plan

The Philippines has long been considered calamity-prone and vulnerable to disasters. In fact, it placed third among all the highest-risk countries worldwide, according to the World Risk Report of 2018.

A big contributor is the country’s geographical location and make-up. As an archipelago, the Philippines is composed of many small islands and is surrounded by water. It is also located within the Typhoon belt and the “Ring of Fire” and between the Eurasian and Pacific tectonic plates. Thus, natural occurrences such as typhoons, tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, are almost always a disaster waiting to happen - literally.

Just recently, the Visayas and Mindanao regions suffered from the devastating effects of Typhoon Odette. Taal Volcano’s last eruption was only in 2020, and it affected more than 736,000 people. Filipinos constantly experience a barrage of natural disasters, and yet, a study from the Harvard

Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) in 2018 shows that 47.5% of all the respondents said they have not done anything to prepare themselves for a disaster within the past five years, and only 36% feel prepared enough.

November 2013. Tacloban, Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan, known as Super Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, was one of the most intense tropical cyclones on record.

Still, there seems to be hope in encouraging Filipinos to start prioritizing their safety and investing in disaster preparedness. In the same Harvard study,4 many of the respondents said if they had enough funds and resources, they would definitely be willing to prepare ahead. This shows that, in spite of it all, Filipinos do want to be ready.

So, what can we as individuals do to make sure that we are well-equipped when the next typhoon, earthquake, or volcanic eruption hits? The first step is to know your location well. Is it prone to flooding? How far away is it from the nearest volcano? Is it close to a fault line? All this information can be found with just a click of a button, thanks to digitalized documentation efforts led by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). (Link: https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/gisweb-hazard-maps) 

Once you have assessed your location’s vulnerabilities, now you can actively prepare yourself and your home for any incoming calamities. Check your house for any damages, and if it is made from materials that can withstand ground movement or strong winds. Keep a Go Bag with emergency resources accessible, both in your homes and places of work. 

SM Lanang Premier in Davao has a rain water catchment tank with a capacity of 600 cubic meters

Finally, make it a habit to listen to the radio and the news for any updates, and monitor your local government unit’s social media for any announcements. Familiarize yourself with as many routes as you can to your nearest evacuation center. Schools, barangay courts, and even malls like SM Supermalls often open their doors to receive evacuees in times of crisis.

   

SM DRR Facilities: (Left) Automated Weather Stations: SM Prime Holdings, Inc. has inked a partnership with the Manila Observatory for the “High Definition Clean Energy, Climate, and Weather Forecasts for the Philippines” Project, a data-driven system that utilizes automated weather stations (AWS) and high-performance computer modeling to provide clean energy and weather forecasts up to five days in advance. (Right) SM has also installed Earthquake Recording Instrumentations (ERI) on all malls for earth movement real time monitoring being recorded in an ERI dashboard.

SM, as a responsible member of the community, has taken disaster resilience as a necessary investment to help ensure that our communities thrive. SM allots 10% of its capital expenditures to incorporate disaster-resilient features, of which installing water management design features is one of them. By ensuring that its investments, employees, tenants and partners are resilient, no Filipino will be left behind.

“It is simply not a matter of if, but when,” said Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings. “We already know that there will always be another typhoon, another earthquake, another natural calamity. Our best bet to avoid personal losses and damages is to be ready for when it comes.” 

SM Marikina stands tall above a 23-meter Marikina River water lever rise because it sits on 246 stilts and an additional 20 meters farther than the suggested 90-meter distance from the Marikina River centerline. 

Some of SM’s notable resilient infrastructure is SM City Marikina and SM Mall of Asia, designed to help mitigate the effect of flooding in the community. Most SM malls feature disaster-resilient designs including SM City Puerto Princesa in Palawan wherein the mall es elevated approximately 1.40 meters from the City Road, thus preventing it to be flooded from the heavy rain throughout the year. SM City Consolacion in Cebu has an adequately designed draining system discharging to adjacent creek and area surface drain along the perimeter walls.

SM Seaside City Cebu 

SM Seaside City Cebu's protection against storm surges is provided by elevating the site above mean sea level, thereby allowing the mall to be a place of refuge during times of flooding. The complex road was constructed 4.0m (not 3.0m) higher than the city road. Instead of flood barrier walls as a solution to the threat of flooding, the building's main floor was also elevated at 4.0m (not 4.5m) from the complex roads. The first level was designed to be a parking area with a 4.0m elevation difference from the main floor.

“We often ask ourselves – how else can we make it better for the people? We don’t want to just simply build malls, but more importantly, we make sure that our developments improve the lives of the community by adding disaster-resilient features to help mitigate the potential effects of disasters,” Sy added. 

ABOUT SM PRIME HOLDINGS

SM Prime, one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. Sustainability and Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience form part of SM Prime’s core business strategies. It ensures that its risk-informed investments catalyze sustainable development and positive change in the communities where it operates.

 

For more information on SM Prime Holdings and its other programs towards disaster preparedness, visit their website at www.smprime.com.

5 Commuting Hacks in the New Normal

With the holidays over, thousands of Filipinos are coming back from their hometowns or simply traveling to get to work.

If you are one of these commuters, please remember that the pandemic is not yet over, and strict health protocols are still in place. However, there are ways for you to be able to get to your destination safely. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, is here to give you some tips on just that.

Prepare for cashless payments. Many transport services have implemented cashless paying schemes as a precautionary measure against the COVID-19 virus. For example, ride-hailing apps only accept bookings if you will pay through your e-wallet or credit or debit cards. Also, trains and some buses only allow passengers to ride if they have a reloadable contactless smart card. To avoid any hassle, make sure that you have the necessary apps and cards. But if you have to pay with cash, it’s best to prepare the exact amount to lessen physical contact.

Always bring your essentials. When you take public transportation, you may be at risk and be exposed to many strangers. Remember to always protect yourself by properly wearing your face mask and face shield. It’s also best to bring a spray bottle of alcohol and a pack of sanitary wipes to not only clean your hands, but to also sanitize handrails, windows, and other surfaces in a public vehicle.

Check required travel documents. Since regions in the country are under different levels of quarantine, some places may have stricter policies and health measures than others. This means that some cities may require you to present certain documents prior to entry. These may include a travel pass issued by municipal offices or city chief of police, medical certificate, company ID, and a negative RT-PCR result. Because of this, make sure to do your research before traveling and prepare whatever is necessary.

Keep yourself entertained. If you’re going to ride the train, a bus, or a van service, expect the lines to be long. Since these modes of transportation can’t operate at full capacity, you probably have to wait in line for a long time. So, fight the boredom and frustration by keeping yourself entertained. Before you leave the house, you can download movies or a television series that you can binge-watch on your phone as you wait in line. You can also create a music playlist, listen to podcasts, install new games, or bring a pocketbook to help you pass the time.

Avoid talking and eating. When in public transportation, refrain from talking or eating as this will require you to open your mouth or take off your mask. Conversations can wait until you are indoors and no longer around strangers. Likewise, make sure that you eat before you leave the house so that you won’t get hungry while travelling.

Have an emergency contact. When you’re on the road, regardless if you are commuting or riding a private car, it’s best to have someone to reach out to in case of emergencies. To help with this, AXA Philippines has Rescue Line, a special service accessible through the Emma by AXA app that provides 24/7 free access to emergency response such as roadside assistance, police, and ambulance anytime, anywhere. With just a few taps, professional help may be requested, and your loved ones will be simultaneously notified of your emergency situation and current location. What's more, AXA has also enhanced its emergency response services with Rescue Line’s geotag feature which can help pinpoint your location faster and more accurately. You may download Emma by AXA via App Store and Google Play and register or create your account, even if you are not yet an AXA insurance policyholder.

For more information about AXA Rescue Line, visit https://axa.com.ph/rescue-line.

4 Christmas Gift Ideas that are Useful amid the Pandemic

Christmas just wouldn't be the same without gift-giving. It's one of the easiest ways to share love and spark some joy among family and friends. However, with all the challenges we faced this 2020, our priorities have become clearer. So, this Yuletide season, instead of the usual toys or trinkets, you can give your loved ones something useful and significant during these times.

As you prepare for a socially distanced Christmas celebration, AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance companies in the country, offers some perfect gift ideas for your upcoming monito-monita.

Hobbies and passion kits. With community quarantines in place, you may know several people who have discovered a hidden talent or hobby during the lockdown. You can cheer on your family or friends as they take on this new skill or hobby by giving them tools or appliances that they may need to pursue their newfound passion. Some great options include pans, pots, spatulas, or small appliances for the new baker, garden tools for plantitas, or paint set and brushes for the late-bloomer artist. Hobbies can help ease anxiety, beat stress, and give joy, while helping one spend time in a creative way.

Self-care products. Many people have become anxious over the unprecedented health crisis. Try giving them self-care kits that can lighten the mood and make your loved ones forget their worries. A few therapeutic items you can put in the self-care kit include mandala coloring books, essential oils, chocolate bars, and skincare products. As indoor plants continue to be a growing trend, your plantitos and plantitas would highly appreciate these greeneries as many of them find comfort in taking care of them.

Home office gadgets. The pandemic has forced a lot of employees to adapt to a new working environment. This Christmas, you can help them achieve a comfortable workspace at home by giving them essential supplies as gifts. Gadgets, such as a laptop, tablet, or phone, are terrific options. For more affordable budget options, you can also give them computer accessories, a file storage, a planner, seat cushion, or other items for their desks. These gifts would surely relieve some stress and increase their productivity at home.

Financial protection. The pandemic has emphasized the importance of being prepared for life’s unforeseeable circumstances. With all the unexpected situations this year, it would be a great relief to know that there is a way to ensure protection for your future or that of your family. Insurance, for one, can help with this and offer peace of mind. AXA Philippines recently launched MyLifeChoice, an investment plan that can be personalized to your needs and budget. With AXA MyLifeChoice, not only are you protected for life’s unexpected events, you also receive an investment fund, which you can use for your long-term goals or for your family. It may seem unusual, but the gift of security for your family, especially during these times, is something that is valuable even beyond the holiday season.

To know more about AXA MyLifeChoice, visit http://bit.ly/MyLifeChoiceProtect1.

Win P100K Worth of Credits from AXA Philippines!

With Christmas just around the corner, AXA Philippines, one of the country's leading insurance providers, presents an exciting holiday surprise for all of its life and general insurance customers – a chance to win P100K worth of GCash credits!

Now is your last chance to avail of this exciting opportunity! If you’re an AXA Philippines customer, all you have to do is update your contact information through the Emma by AXA app by December 15, 2020. Simply download the Emma by AXA app on the Google Play or App Store, register, update your information, and you’re all set!

Once you have updated your information, you will automatically have an entry to AXA Philippines' e-raffle where one life insurance customer and one general insurance customer will win the grand prize of P100,000 worth of GCash credits.

By downloading the Emma by AXA app, customers and non-customers alike also gain the added benefit of free access to 24/7 emergency services such as ambulance, fire, police, and roadside assistance through the Rescue Line feature – a must-have amid typhoon season and the ongoing pandemic.

The app also allows customers to monitor their policy online and conveniently access their funds, investments, transaction history, and AXA’s e-servicing features. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3jbvq4

AXA Capitalizes on Tech to Help Customers achieve their Goals

As the country adapts to the new normal, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, has embedded tech processes for their new product, Goal Getter, to provide convenience in achieving one’s goals amid the COVID-19 health crisis and community quarantine.

"Technology has helped individuals and businesses alike as the country adapts to the new normal. At AXA Philippines, we continue to shift our efforts and services to a modern platform so people can still build financial plans and secure their future even as we face uncertainties due to the current pandemic,” said AXA Philippines president and CEO Rahul Hora.

Goal Getter is an investment and life insurance plan that helps you build your funds so you can achieve financial independence and realize your goals, whether it’s starting a small business, getting a car or condominium, or pursuing a post-graduate degree. It is readily available online so no need to meet with an agent. You can get started right in the comfort and safety of your own home and be on your way to achieving your goals in three easy steps.

Through Goal Getter's online service, you can personalize your investment, enter your information, and pay. You can start with an initial payment of as low as Php10,000 and keep adding to it with as little as Php5,000 monthly top-ups.

Customers can choose to invest in either the Philippine Wealth Bond Fund or Chinese Tycoon Fund depending on their risk appetite. Goal Getter allows policyholders the freedom to choose how much and how long they want to build their savings fund for their specific life goals.

Since AXA Philippines is committed to provide the best protection for its customers and their families, Goal Getter also comes with life insurance coverage. The policyholder’s beneficiaries may receive 125 percent of the total premiums paid or the actual account value, whichever is higher.

After months of staying at home, perhaps it is time for you to get back on track of achieving your goals and all it takes is a few clicks.

To learn more about AXA Goal Getter, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/goalgetter.

Keeping the Family Team Spirit Alive in the New Normal

One silver lining of the pandemic is the new found closeness of many families who now enjoy a lot of time being together. The team spirit is strong during the lockdown as the crisis saw family members looking after one another’s safety and spending more time under one roof. As the country adapts to the new normal, AXA Philippines, the official insurance partner of the NBA in the Philippines, shares a game plan to maintain the closeness of your family—your no. 1 team—with or without a lockdown situation.

Schedule meals together at least once a week. Dining together allows the family to share their stories, thoughts, and even problems, with each other. Now that the lockdown has been eased and some are back to work at the office, continue to find time to bond and schedule meals as a family at least once or twice a week. Regularly eating meals together fosters a closer, more positive dynamic at home.

Protect each other through life’s ups and downs. Protecting one another is one of the greatest acts of love you can show your family. Helping them become financially secure is also one of the best ways to protect them. A good way to start is to have an insurance-investment plan that helps your family to continue living well in case of an untimely event. AXA Philippines’ Asset Master is a good example of an insurance product that allows you to diversify your investment, plan your estate, and protect your business.

Practice healthy habits together. Following a healthier lifestyle is easier and more fun when done with the company of people. As a bonding activity, schedule at least 30 to 60 minutes of workout sessions at least once a week with your family. Try running or playing sports together and then continue your health and wellness session by preparing nutritious meals together.

Be ‘together/apart’ with family living elsewhere. It’s unfortunate that we cannot visit our relatives’ homes as freely as we used to, but we still can bond with them just the same. Continue to spend fun times together by allotting your weekends for game or face-time night. Board game classics such as Scrabble, Twister, and chess are among several activities that have online counterparts that you can play with other people remotely.

Through life’s ups and downs, family will always remain constant, the team you can always count on. Protect and treasure each other by following these tips suggested by AXA. To know more about Asset Master, talk to a financial advisor or visit www.axa.com.ph.

AXA empowers people to live better lives by encouraging them to have a game plan, whether it’s in sports or in the hard court that is life.

Lockdown Career Tips: 5 Pointers on How to be an All-Star at Work

Even in times of uncertainty, there are still ways you can improve yourself and make great strides in your career. While under a community quarantine, utilize the extra time to reevaluate your career trajectory and seize opportunities to move it forward.

Much like an NBA All-Star, you need a concrete game plan to achieve desirable outcomes in your career. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurers and the official insurance partner of the NBA in the Philippines, is here to help with some job advice.

Improve personal branding. Your branding is largely based on your online image -- it allows you to let employers know your story, goals, skills, and expertise. It can make you stand out and give your career a boost. To build your personal brand, make sure to update and organize all your online profiles, especially on social networking platforms including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. On your profile, use a professional photo and quantify your accomplishments. Try to avoid posting anything that isn’t appropriate for work. You should also opt to follow leaders in your field and share top industry stories. You can also create a personal website, portfolio, or blog where you can showcase your professional journey, work, and achievements.

Keep learning. If you want to be productive during quarantine, why not take online classes? There are thousands of options that can enhance your knowledge on business, communication, marketing, financial literacy, and more. Many websites, experts and even Ivy League schools in the U.S., are offering classes for free during the lockdown so make the most of this opportunity. You can also read career advice books that can help you be a more well-rounded person at work. Whether you want to know how to achieve work-life balance, become an excellent leader, develop better work habits, or recover from a career setback, there is something for you. Once the crisis is over, you’ll have gained new learnings that can be used in your career. Additionally, think about pursuing higher education and getting your master’s degree, which sometimes is a requirement for a job or even a promotion.

Find a mentor. A mentor can benefit you and your career in many ways. They can offer valuable insight in advancing your career and be a sounding board for your ideas at work. Since you may come from different backgrounds, having a mentor can sharpen your communication skills and provide a new perspective, which can be helpful in relating to your co-workers and other individuals you cross paths in your career. A mentor is also an avenue to build your network. When looking for a mentor, it’s advisable to consider someone you know who is at a job or position you aspire to be at. Alternatively, you can reciprocate the relationship by offering them resources or promoting their projects to your network.

Gain experience. Experience is one of the key factors that hiring managers look at. Consider making use of your spare time to gain more experience in the field that you’re currently in or an area you want to transfer to, while also earning some extra income. Even at home, you can seek virtual tutoring opportunities and other online freelance jobs. Try not to spread yourself too thin and find a side hustle where you can manage your own time, like being an AXA financial advisor. During this time, you might also want to consider doing volunteer work like organizing fundraising activities, food drives or PPE donations. You can even help the community and join a cause you’re passionate about.

Be smart with money. Living from paycheck to paycheck may hinder you from taking chances on progressing your career given the fear of being left with no steady source of income. If you want to take risks and advance your career, creating a financial plan is a must. Start building an emergency fund, save up for retirement, and opt to buy the right health and life insurance products so that you’ll have a safety net when emergencies or unexpected job problems occur. AXA Philippines has an extensive portfolio of insurance and investment products that suits every need and budget.

For more information, visit https://axa.com.ph/.

6 Typhoon Preparation Tips

The typhoon season is upon us, and it is important to be prepared for every possible scenario that may ensue.

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, shares some tips on how to secure yourself, your family, and your home from weather disturbances and their aftermath.

Stock up on essential items. The lifespan of a typhoon varies, but it can typically last for a few days to a week. During this time, people living in affected areas are advised to stay indoors, so make sure that you have enough food and supplies until the storm passes. Stock up on necessary items, including but not limited to rice, water, and non-perishable food like ready-to-eat canned goods. It is also best to store medicine, hygiene products, and other emergency supplies.

Prepare for power outages. Due to heavy rainfall and strong winds, people may experience multiple power outages during a typhoon. To lessen the inconvenience of not having electricity, make sure that all important gadgets, such as cell phones and powerbanks, are fully charged. Also make sure emergency lights and flashlights are working and you have extra batteries, candles and a lighter on hand.

Stay updated. During calamities, it is a must to stay informed. Check reliable news sources regularly so you can monitor the storm warning signal, cancellation of classes and work, and other updates on the typhoon. Aside from that, strong typhoons can trigger other destructive events, like landslides, so stay updated for more news and the directions of local authorities.

Boost your immune system. Aside from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, you should protect your health during typhoon season because heavy rains and flooding can increase the transmission of water and vector-borne diseases like typhoid fever and dengue. To avoid getting infected, make sure to drink plenty of water, eat nutritious food, wash your hands, get enough sleep and exercise when you can.

Develop an evacuation plan. One can never be sure how strong a typhoon can get and how much damage it can cause. Be familiar with the location of nearby evacuation centers and the fastest routes there in case the situation becomes unsafe. In addition, memorize or list down the emergency hotlines. Also try AXA Rescue Line through the EMMA by AXA app for free and easy access to 24/7 emergency services. The app is available for download on the Google Play or App Store.

Secure your property. Before the typhoon hits, do a quality check of your house. Ensure that the roof is secure and has no holes, and check that the windows are closed, and gutters aren’t clogged. It is also best to turn off the main switch when the downpour begins. Keep important belongings and documents in a waterproof container and in an elevated place away from possible rising water. It’s also advisable to have extra copies of the documents. You can also prepare for any possible property damages with insurance packages from AXA Philippines, like Home Security and Comprehensive Car Insurance Online, that can provide coverage against acts of nature, including typhoons.

For more information, visit https://axa.com.ph/.

ARISE Philippines Kickstarts New Round of Disaster Resilience Network Initiatives

Representatives from both public and private sectors, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and the SM Group, convened recently for the annual ARISE General Meeting held at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City.

ARISE Philippines is a network of private companies that are united under the common objective of establishing innovative disaster resilience practices within organizations. This initiative supports the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), and the Sendai Framework. Sendai Framework is a 15-year, voluntary, non-binding agreement which recognizes the role of UN member countries to reduce disaster risk, and which should be shared with other stakeholders including local governments and the private sector.

Through their membership with ARISE Philippines, companies from the private sector are enabled to build their own capacity and develop strategies in making their organizations resilient to disaster risk, by learning from subject matter experts and engaging in workshops that discuss best practices. In recent studies, the Philippines have been globally ranked as the third most vulnerable country, in terms of disaster and calamity.

The government sector was represented by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC).

Director Susan Juangco delivered message from Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, Executive Director of NDRRMC, “As private organizations begin to understand their roles in disaster risk reduction management, and actively collaborating with the public, the government’s vision for a disaster resilient nation is coming to its reality. We are here not to boost the self-interests of our organizations, but to attain our goal for our stakeholders and assure quality of life beyond disaster.”

Asst. Director of the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development of DTI, Alicia M. Opeña, added, “The MSME sector has a vital role in the welfare of our society as it serves as a proximity market or immediate provider of most goods and services, and we believe that integrating disaster risk reduction initiative in the MSME structures will ensure that businesses can continue to operate their core services even in the occurrence of an adverse situation.”

During the roundtable discussions, participants gained shared understanding of key performance indicators in each of the presented work themes, which are organizational initiatives that respond to preventive measures against disaster, and eventually develop a joint action plan to ensure progress in creating disaster resilient societies. Some of the key topics covered were disaster risk management strategies, education and training and urban risk reduction.

At the annual meeting, the vision of Hans T. Sy was reiterated, “As a member of ARISE, I encourage everyone to promote disaster preparedness and risk resiliency. We must continue to help each other in minimizing property damages and most especially in protecting lives because disaster resilience is everybody’s business”.

To know more about ARISE Philippines, you may contact its secretariat through arisephilippines@smprime.com or https://cc.preventionweb.net/arise/asia_pacific/arise_philippines