BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines — A Go Bag, an improvised stretcher, and presence of mind.
These are some of the essentials that physician and rescue doctor Ted Esguerra emphasized during disasters, be it earthquake, or a fire, as he shared his expertise during the Emergency Preparedness Forum for Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizens.
The event, which was organized by SM Cares, was held today 31 July 2023 at the lobby area of the SM City Bacolod and emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness especially among older people or those with disabilities who seem to be most vulnerable to injuries, or even death.
He also emphasized the importance of having a Go Bag Kit, one for every strategic place like the home, and work, which a person can just bring along with them in case there is a disaster and therefore a need to evacuate.
A Go Bag Kit could contain the essentials, like food items, hygiene kits, first aid kits, which could come in handy during calamities.
One could always start with having their own Go Bag, and it does not have to be an actual bag, either. It could be a sack, or a pail, or any receptacle that a person can bring conveniently with them in case of calamities or disasters.
Esguerra also led the fire drill for PWDs at the Arima Restaurant of Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod.
Esguerra was the wilderness and exedition doctor of the Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition Team and Voyage of the Balangay.
The event was organized to mark the end of the National Disaster Resilience Month.
