Mic Mercado

Mic is a disaster risk reduction and management specialist and filmmaker whose career began with the Center for Disaster Preparedness (CDP) as a student documentary producer in 2008. A University of the Philippines - Diliman alumnus with a BA in Film and Audio Visual Communication, Mic quickly ascended through CDP's ranks, taking on pivotal roles—from field officer to communications head. In 2009, he spearheaded critical relief operations during Typhoon Parma in Northern Luzon, later championing mental health and psychosocial support initiatives post-disaster. Mic's expertise has fortified communities in Northern Luzon, Camarines Norte, and Metro Manila against calamities, enhancing local resilience. Presently, Mic helms the innovative Abot-Kamay Community Solidarity Fund, which fosters local resource mobilization and community philanthropy in the Philippines. In his role as the Program Coordinator for technical assistance at CDP, Mic crafts innovative strategies that empower communities to navigate and reduce their disaster risks. His approach is hands-on and community-centric, ensuring that local voices lead the charge in building resilient futures. Parallel to his disaster resilience endeavors, Mic boasts over 15 years in filmmaking, collaborating with diverse entities, from TV networks to NGOs. His work includes the critically acclaimed feature film "Train Station (2016)" which garnered international attention. Mic's dual mastery of media and disaster preparedness forms a unique vanguard for community empowerment and creative storytelling.