Emergency Preparedness

The safety and security of Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) and SEM-Calaca Power Corporation (SCPC) employees continue to be of paramount importance. However, the company also ensures that this culture of safety extends to the communities in both Semirara Island and Calaca, as well as some nearby areas.

Semirara Island Emergency Action Group

SMPC spearheaded the creation of the Semirara Island Emergency Action Group (SIEAG), which is composed of the barangay officials of Tinogboc, Alegria, Semirara, the local government of Caluya, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Coastguard. The parties involved signed a Memorandum of Agreement for Boosting Emergency Preparedness on Semirara Island. That year, the group participated in the first of a series of workshops for the barangay leaders to arm them with disaster management skills, including improving coordination and communication among themselves during emergencies. Other training workshops focused on the volunteer responders from all barangays, SMPC housing, and various other community groups. The workshops were managed by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Through this public-private partnership, Barangay Semirara won 1st Place as Best Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Committee Urban Barangay Category in Western Visayas in December 2016.

Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System

In partnership with Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration under the Department of Science and Technology (PAGASA-DOST), the company sponsored the training of local government unit representatives of the First District and coastal municipalities of Batangas in the use of the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS). REDAS is a software program that simulates hazards and risks posed by earthquakes and helps local officials estimate a seismic event’s impact on the community as well as determine areas that would need immediate rescue and relief.

Disaster Preparedness, Management, and Emergency Response

The company also sponsored seminars on Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Management, and Emergency Response for the community. Held at the SCPC premises, representatives from the barangays of Baclaran and San Rafael, and the municipality of Calaca received training on prediction and possible prevention of certain disasters, preparation, impact mitigation on the communities, and handling the aftermath.