Marawi students undergo emergency preparedness training

As Marawi recovers from the siege that has caused devastation to the city, its students are empowering themselves by enhancing their emergency preparedness and response skills.

Over 3,000 students of Mindanao State University (MSU)–Marawi recently joined the disaster preparedness caravan organized by PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, through its brand TNT.

The TNT Tropang Ready caravan is a learning activity that tours schools all over the country to boost the disaster readiness skills of students and their friends (tropa). The program also aims to mobilize them to lead their families and communities to safety during calamities.

The youth plays an important role in disaster preparedness, according to Ramon R. Isberto, PLDT and Smart public affairs head. “They have the mobility, the skills, the technological know-how—they have what it takes to spread the culture of preparedness,” Isberto said.

Smart has included MSU Marawi in its Tropang Ready lineup as the city begins its recovery, according to Darwin Flores, Smart community partnerships head. “By equipping students and faculty with vital knowledge on emergency preparedness and survival, more people in the community here can also learn,” he said.

Resource speakers included representatives from the Philippine Red Cross, and preparedness experts from training provider Emergency Management Center. PRC Lanao del Sur-Marawi chapter administrator Sittie Alliyah Adiong discussed hazards, disaster risk and preparedness. “It is important to understand the links between these concepts. For us to be ready for any type of disaster, we really have to prepare,” she said.