The Security and Safety Office (SSO) and the College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT) held a focus group discussion (FGD) on January 31, 2025, to make CEAT personnel and students who identify themselves as persons with disabilities (PWDs) more prepared during disaster situations.

This activity aims to enable CEAT to consider and include an often overlooked and neglected sector of the population in its disaster risk reduction (DRR) plans. 

The FGD with CEAT is the fifth and latest in a series of such activities by SSO in its campaign for widespread DRR inclusivity in UPLB. Its director, Atty. Eric Paul D. Peralta, is leading this campaign.

Inclusion of PWDs in disaster risk reduction strategy planning is a major priority of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) 3 (good health and well-being) 10 (reduced inequalities), 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and 13 (climate action). 

SSO Special Police Assistant Chief Jonathan D. Maliwat, head of the SSO’s Crisis and Emergency Response Unit, and his team facilitated the activity, which emphasized that no one should be left behind during a disaster. 

The FGD focused on crafting campus-wide policy guidelines for emergency response tailored to the needs of PWDs. (Wilfredo M. Mulato Jr.)