Company partners with LDRRM; promotes disaster preparedness

CEBU, Philippines - “Preparedness should be everyday.”

This is what the team from one of the country’s leading brand of batteries said as they promoted their campaign on disaster awareness in the community through seminars and fun activities yesterday at the sports complex of Barangay San Nicolas, Cebu City.

Eveready, together with the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management in Cebu City, launched the “Pamilyang Ready, Ligtas na Community”, intended to equip people with the knowledge and know-how during man-made or natural calamities.    

“This is not only made during the rainy season but because the Philippines is identified as a natural disaster hot-spot that is prone to typhoons and floods,” said Johanna Emata, Eveready brand manager.

Part of the campaign is to remind the public to have an E-Balde, an improved emergency kit or container containing flashlights, medicines, water, canned goods and among other immediate survival needs.

“At the end of the day we are experts of our own selves during calamities and this is also a way of extending readiness to the public as a means of being prepared,” said Louie Domingo, representative of the Emergency Research Center.

Domingo also demonstrated keys for survival amid calamities like the use of colored T-shirts to signal for help, how to catch rain water and use it as drinking water, and the use of signals when help is coming.

The caravan started in 2010 in northern Luzon area and was later introduced in Davao City. The team’s target now is Cebu City while the next in line is southern Luzon area.

At least 80 barangays were invited to the seminar which expects around 400 participants.

Aside from Barangay San Nicolas, the team will also visit other barangays in Cebu City specifically the landslide and flash flood-prone areas. The team will be in Cebu City for two to three months for their campaign.

 “If the family is ready it is also a way in helping the community,” Emata said, adding that it’s the least they could do for the people.  (FREEMAN)