SM Prime Prepares for a Resilient Future

ARISE India, Japan, and the Philippines during the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR).

The 7.7 magnitude earthquakes in Myanmar, as well as the aftershocks in Thailand, are still having an impact months later.  The fundamental question is: Are we ready for "The Big One"?

As one of the most vulnerable countries to catastrophe and climate risk, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), Southeast Asia's premier integrated property developer, reiterates its commitment to disaster resilience and increased climate action.

The role of education

To strengthen the institution's and communities' readiness capabilities, SM Prime continues to advocate for emergency preparedness and public education. 

SM Cares, SM Prime's foundation arm, hosts the annual Emergency Preparedness Forum to teach mallgoers about emergency procedures, including the importance of remaining calm to reduce panic and anxiety, basic first aid, life-saving techniques, and preparing senior citizens and people with disabilities (PWD) for an actual emergency.

Seniors and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are vulnerable during emergencies and disasters because of anxiety, health, and mobility limitations.

As the largest and fastest-growing residential sector developer, SM Development Corporation (SMDC)’s disaster preparedness training, Ready to Rescue, covers essential topics from fire and earthquake drills to water safety and first aid training programs to help residents face an emergency should it arise. 

SM Development Corporation (SMDC)’s first aid and water safety training help residents respond effectively until first responders arrive.

Through SM Prime's participation in the Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies Philippines (ARISE-Philippines), training and education opportunities on disaster risk reduction and resilience are made more available to the local community. 

Together with ARISE Japan and India, two of the largest in the global community, knowledge sharing on the latest disaster risk reduction technologies contributes to a better understanding of large-scale catastrophe prevention and finds potential for further improvement and reaction.

Collaborations for the climate

Together with host SM Hotels, SM Prime organized a Climate Fresk Workshop with The Transmutation Principle to educate friends from the corporate and non-profit sustainability sectors about the science underlying climate change, including its causes, mechanisms, and effects, as well as mitigation, adaptation, and circular economy concepts.

Sustainability champions from corporate and non-government agencies together for a Climate Fresk Workshop at the SMX Convention Center Aura.

“It was an exciting and valuable experience for us, given our advocacy for climate change resilience. The workshop succeeded in making it more accessible and relatable, particularly for individuals who are already aware of its effects on their respective industries.” ~Oscar M. Lopez, (OML) Center participant Charmaine Vitan

The gamified workshop was developed by a French non-profit organization and is based on studies from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.  Facilitated by local Filipino Freskers, it teaches the principles of climate science, mapping important interdependencies between nature, biodiversity, and human activity in order to'solve' the complicated narrative of climate change.  The training was place in the SMX Convention Center Aura.

“It invited everyone--not just one sector--to collaborate and participate in fields of knowledge that are seemingly not connected at all. To quote a groupmate, the immediate causes and effects of market actions are clear, but the bigger picture is clear when we collaborate with one another.” ~Joaquin Campos, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines Participant

Building a resilient tomorrow 

Always ahead of the curve, SM Prime proactively looks beyond current industry needs to identify what can reduce risk and create long-term value. 

“Resilience is a way of life. It is a commitment to ensure that we act on our responsibility to care for others so that no one is left behind.” ~Mr. Hans Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman

SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy addresses members of ARISE Philippines during the first annual general meeting for 2025. 

SM Prime's Environmental, Social, Governance, and Resilience (ESG + R) strategy assures that the corporation is preparing for future generations' security.  SM Prime continues to focus its efforts on infrastructure resilience, catastrophe risk management techniques, preparation and rapid response, and capacity building in order to generate institutional readiness and educate and influence public awareness.