Earthquake PREP Summit aligns property and urban development with National Disaster Readiness

Featured in the photo joining hands in solidarity for earthquake preparedness are (from left) Jesus Piedad Fernandez (Bureau of Fire Protection), Dr. Luis Sy, Jr. (Taguig City DRRMO), Lourdes T. Gutierrez-Alfonso (Megaworld), Atty. Crisanto Saruca, Jr. (MMDA), Kevin L. Tan (Alliance Global Group, Inc.), Emerito Junie Castillo III (Office of Civil Defense), Jason Faller (Megaworld Earthquake Council), Lt. Col. Lester Sinlao (Philippine Army), and PCol. Emeraldo Osia, Jr. (Philippine National Police). (Philippine Army), and PCol. Emeraldo Osia, Jr. (Philippine National Police). —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Recognizing the need to strengthen and establish a culture of preparedness among communities, property giant Megaworld Corporation recently spearheaded the inaugural Earthquake People and Real Estate Preparedness (PREP) Summit as it gathered key government agencies and private sector leaders to strengthen national coordination on disaster readiness.

The Summit, hosted at the Blue Leaf Events Pavillion, reaffirmed Megaworld’s commitment to protect the people living, working, and thriving in its townships across the country through coordinated disaster preparedness programs spearheaded in partnership with key agencies from the public sector. Among the company’s initiatives include the creation of the Megaworld Earthquake Council, a dedicated group that focuses on implementing strategic disaster preparedness programs across the organization.

Office of Civil Defense Spokesperson Emerito Junie Castillo III

PNP Community Affairs Division Chief PCol. Esmeraldo Osia, Jr.

Megaworld President and CEO Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso (right) and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Head Graham Coates highlight the creativity and ingenuity behind the Megaworld Life Bags that will soon be distributed to employees.

The company is also set to roll out the Megaworld Life Bag among its employees, an innovative emergency go-bag that also doubles as a flotation aid. This essential kit is designed to help Megaworld employees and their families stay protected in the event disaster strikes.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with key government agencies in strengthening disaster preparedness across the communities we serve. By combining resources, expertise, and commitment, we hope to empower families and communities with the tools and knowledge they need to withstand challenges and recover stronger. Through this collabora tion, we are not only preparing for disasters, but also helping shape a safer, more resilient future for Filipinos,” says Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, President, Megaworld Corporation.

AGI President and CEO Kevin Tan (left) and MMDA Metropolitan Public Safety Office head Atty. Crisanto Saruca, Jr.

Megaworld Earthquake Council Head Jason Faller

Bureau of Fire Protection Chief Jesus Piedad Fernandez

Joining Gutierrez-Alfonso in the Summit were Kevin L. Tan, President and CEO of Alliance Global Group, Inc., the parent company of Megaworld, as well as officials from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine Army, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the local government of Taguig. The participants shared insights emphasizing a whole-of-government approach to community-level preparedness. Megaworld also committed the use of its townships and hotels as venues for government-led drills and emergency response training—further aligning with the national disaster preparedness agenda.

Participating leaders in the Summit expressed their support to make disaster preparedness a priority across Filipino communities.

The Summit brought together a dynamic assembly of leaders from diverse sectors and agencies, all united by a shared commitment to education, collaboration, and proactive action.

Representatives from the OCD, PNP, BFP, and the Taguig LGU commended Megaworld’s consistent compliance with structural safety standards and its active participation in drills and emergency training. OCD spokesperson Emerito Junie B. Castillo III lauded Megaworld for setting an example in adherence to building codes, calling structural integrity “an investment in human life.”