The effects of the 7.7 magnitude earthquakes in Myanmar and the aftershocks in Thailand continue to be seen months after the events. The ultimate question is asked: Are we prepared for “The Big One”?
As one of the most vulnerable countries to disaster and climate risk, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), the leading integrated property developer in Southeast Asia, continues to reinforce its commitment to disaster resiliency and heightened climate action.
The role of education
To increase the capacity of readiness within the institution and its communities, SM Prime continues to advocate for emergency preparedness and the general public’s continued education.
SM Cares, SM Prime’s foundation arm, facilitates the annual Emergency Preparedness Forum to help mallgoers learn about emergency procedures, putting importance on staying calm to reduce panic and anxiety, basic first aid, life-saving techniques, and preparing senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) in an actual emergency.
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.
Through SM Prime’s role within the private sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies Philippines (ARISE-Philippines), training and education opportunities on disaster risk reduction and resilience are made more accessible within the local network.
Together with ARISE Japan and India, two of the largest in the global community, knowledge sharing on the latest technologies in disaster risk reduction helps toward understanding large-scale disaster prevention and identifies opportunities for further improvement and response.
Collaborations for the climate
In a Climate Fresk Workshop with The Transmutation Principle, SM Prime, together with host SM Hotels, gathered friends from the corporate and non-profit sustainability space to learn more about the science behind climate change–its drivers, mechanisms, and consequences–including mitigation, adaptation, and circular economy principles.
“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,” says Oscar M. Lopez (OML) Center participant Charmaine Vitan.
The gamified workshop originated from a French non-profit organization and is based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports. Facilitated by local Philippine Freskers, it teaches the fundamentals of climate science – mapping key interdependencies between nature, biodiversity and human activities to ‘solve’ the complex narrative of climate change. The workshop was held at 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,” says World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines participant Joaquin Campos.
Building a resilient tomorrow
Always ahead of the curve, SM Prime strategically looks beyond the current industry needs and focuses on what can reduce risk and build long-term value.
For SM Prime, an Environmental, Social, Governance, and Resilience (ESG + R) strategy ensures that the company is building for the security of future generations. SM Prime continues to focus its efforts on infrastructure resilience, disaster risk management strategies, readiness and swift response, and capacity building to create institutional readiness and help educate and shape public awareness.
“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,” said Mr. Hans Sy, SM Prime executive committee chairman.