SM Prime Prepares for a Resilient Future

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

Months after the 7.7-magnitude earthquakes in Myanmar and the aftershocks in Thailand, the consequences are still being felt.  Finally, the question is posed: Are we ready for "The Big One"?

As the top integrated property developer in Southeast Asia and one of the most disaster and climate risk-prone nations, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) keeps reaffirming its dedication to disaster resilience and increased climate action.

The role of education

Ready to Rescue, SM Development Corporation's (SMDC) disaster preparedness training, covers everything from fire and earthquake drills to water safety and first aid training programs to help residents deal with an emergency should one occur. SMDC is the largest and fastest-growing residential sector developer.

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

The Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies Philippines (ARISE-Philippines), of which SM Prime is a member, provides training and education opportunities on disaster risk reduction and resilience to the local community. 

In collaboration with ARISE Japan and India, two of the biggest in the world, information exchange on the newest technology in disaster risk reduction aids in comprehending the prevention of large-scale disasters and finds areas for additional development and response.

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

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

Based on studies from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the gamified workshop was first developed by a non-profit group in France.  It covers the basics of climate science and maps important relationships between biodiversity, nature, and human activity in order to "solve" the intricate story of climate change. It is led by local Filipino Freskers.  The workshop took place at the Aura of the SMX Convention Center.

“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 

Strategically looking beyond the demands of the industry, SM Prime is always ahead of the curve and concentrates on what might lower risk and increase 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. 

By implementing an Environmental, Social, Governance, and Resilience (ESG + R) approach, SM Prime makes sure that it is constructing for the safety of generations to come.  In order to establish institutional preparedness and aid in educating and influencing public opinion, SM Prime is still concentrating its efforts on catastrophe risk management techniques, infrastructure resilience, planning and quick reaction, and capacity building.