Skip to main content

SM Prime’s Hans Sy champions private sector leadership in disaster resilience at UNDRR Global Platform 2025

By

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy reaffirmed the vital role of the private sector in disaster risk reduction (DRR) during the 2025 Global Platform of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), held in Geneva, Switzerland. 


Representing the Philippine private sector at the Ministerial Roundtable on “Accelerating Financing and Resilience,” Sy underscored how businesses can help drive scalable, science-based resilience solutions.


Private sector as a force multiplier in DRR


“Resilience strengthens businesses while safeguarding lives and communities,” Sy stated. “We know the government cannot do it alone. The private sector is ready to do more.”


A group of people sitting at a table AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Sy underscores the need for policies, incentives, and institutional support to scale up disaster risk reduction investments at the UNDRR Global Platform 2025.


He cited SM Prime’s integrated approach to DRR, which includes allocating a significant portion of project costs to disaster-resilient infrastructure and applying science-driven planning frameworks. 


Sy also pointed to cross-sector initiatives such as the Adopt-a-City Program with the National Resilience Council and joint capacity-building programs with ARISE Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry as examples of effective public-private partnerships.


Embedding resilience into core business strategy


In a High-Level Dialogue on scaling DRR financing, Sy outlined SM Prime’s approach to mainstreaming resilience across its developments. He highlighted features such as elevated mall structures, built-in rainwater catchment systems, and earthquake-resistant designs—solutions that have minimized disruption and enabled rapid recovery in the face of disaster.


“Disasters may be unpredictable, but their impacts don’t have to be,” he said. “We can—and must—prepare, mitigate, and adapt.”


SM Mall of Asia Complex: A benchmark in resilience and innovation | Philippines Graphic

The SM Mall of Asia Complex features a higher seawall and elevated design to guard against rising sea levels. (Inset) Deep, wide drainage channels—large enough to fit two buses side by side—further protect the area from storm surge flooding.


Call to scale resilience investment


To expand DRR financing, Sy called for enabling mechanisms that combine policy support, institutional cooperation, and targeted incentives. “From the standpoint of the private sector, financial, non-financial and regulatory incentives are among the most effective ways to accelerate investment in resilience,” he noted.


His remarks underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and long-term thinking in building resilient communities. SM Prime’s leadership in DRR continues to set a benchmark for sustainable development in disaster-prone regions.


“Together, we can embed resilience to build a sustainable and secure future for all,” he concluded.
I been writing romance and science fictions for a long time and blogging is one of my escape and inspiration. Writing is not an easy job and researching is more tedious. But while sharing my experience and interest through blogging, I happened to see a whole new world.

Comments

Post a Comment

The Art of Treating Yourself Right—Only at SM Supermalls!

By
Can you feel it? Love is in the air! But it’s not the kind that sweeps you off your feet, just the love that feels safe, warm, and homey. Self love, of course! Hey self-lovers, consider this a sign for you to slow down and to show yourself some well-deserved LUUUUV. Because this Heart’s Day, it’s no longer just about romance, it’s about keeping your heart happy, healthy, and glowing. Through the melody of Olivia Dean , it really is so easy to fall in love— especially with the person who’s been with you through it all. And at your most loved mall, self-care comes as easy. Because from beauty essentials to wellness musts, we’re here to help you lean into the soft life, effortlessly unbothered. So mark your calendars, set the vibe, and celebrate love your way because #LuvIsYourVibeAtSM. STEP 1: Cleanse Out Your Worries Love needs breathin’, so let your self-LUV journey start with a clean base. Let go of the overthinking, the stress, and everything that’s been weighing you down. Reset t...
Image