SM MoA Hosts Exhibit and Fire Safety Road Show for Disaster Risk Awareness
As communities around the world observed the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2024, an exciting, hands-on event took place at SM MoA in Manila. The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) organized the “Are You Ready?” Exhibit and Fire Square Road Show, both highlighting the importance of disaster preparedness in a unique, engaging way.
Art and Awareness: “Are You Ready?” Exhibit at SM MoA
This eye-catching exhibit featured creative, thought-provoking artwork that raised awareness about disaster preparedness. Hosted by SM MoA, SM Prime and SM Cares collaborated with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and other global organizations to bring the exhibit to life. Each artwork represented a different perspective on disaster risk, covering issues like climate change, earthquakes, and typhoons that affect communities across the Asia-Pacific region.
Furthermore, as visitors explored the exhibit, they absorbed the message that disaster preparedness isn’t only about responding to crises—it’s about building resilience long before they happen. By actively promoting disaster risk awareness, SM MoA has transformed into a central hub for educating the public on how everyone can play a part in reducing risks.
Educating and Empowering the Youth
Additionally, the exhibit featured a panel discussion moderated by UNDRR’s Rosalind Cook, focused on the Comprehensive School Safety Framework 2022-2030. The panel urged young people to contribute to disaster risk reduction (DRR) and explained why schools should prioritize DRR education. Speakers encouraged students to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills they need to help build safer communities.
Hands-On Learning at the Fire Square Road Show
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) organized the Fire Square Road Show to provide hands-on fire safety training. They held the training right outside the exhibit at SM MoA, where they taught attendees essential skills like first aid, proper use of fire extinguishers, electrical safety, and even rappelling. Moreover, the lively, interactive sessions made learning memorable, especially for younger attendees. Families left the event with helpful fire safety knowledge they could apply at home if ever needed.
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A Collective Mission for a Safer Future
The event at SM MoA successfully raised awareness about disaster preparedness through art, education, and practical skills training. Ultimately, it showed that preparing for natural and man-made disasters is a shared responsibility, one that communities must prioritize to secure a safer future. Thanks to these efforts at SM MoA, disaster risk reduction is no longer just a concept; instead, it’s a call to action for everyone.