Manila Electric Company (Meralco) recently conducted its first Survival Boot Camp, an emergency preparedness exercise that brought together company employees and their families for an immersive disaster simulation in Pasig City.

The two-day activity was designed to strengthen readiness for emergency situations, especially major earthquakes, as part of Meralco’s broader efforts to build resilience within its workforce and surrounding communities. The training simulated post-disaster conditions, including evacuation and temporary shelter scenarios.

Unlike typical workplace safety drills, the boot camp included employees and their dependents, highlighting a family-centered approach to disaster preparedness. Participants camped overnight at the Meralco Operating Center, pitching tents to replicate realistic evacuation conditions following a disaster.

During the exercise, participating families underwent hands-on training focused on practical emergency response skills. These included disaster aftermath awareness, water sanitation and hygiene, fire starting and cooking, knot tying, as well as basic life support and first aid.

The activity was organized by the Meralco Rescue Academy, a newly established unit that aims to equip employees, their families, and communities with essential emergency preparedness and response skills. Meralco Rescue volunteers served as facilitators, alongside personnel from the Pasig City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Bureau of Fire Protection – Pasig City.

Support for the program was also provided by One Meralco Foundation, which donated canned goods to help simulate realistic emergency conditions and promote resource management. The boot camp concluded with a debriefing session and a briefing by Pasig City’s disaster management office on local disaster preparedness plans.

Meralco First Vice President and Head of Facilities, Safety, and Security Management Jerry B. Lao said the initiative reflects the company’s emphasis on readiness beyond the workplace. 

“Preparedness starts at home. The Meralco Rescue Academy reflects our commitment to building a culture of readiness, one that equips not just our employees, but their families as well to face emergencies with confidence and resilience,” Lao said.

How can initiatives like this help strengthen household and community readiness in disaster-prone areas?

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