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In a country like the Philippines, where natural hazards are a regular occurrence, being prepared for disasters isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. This is especially true for businesses and communities that need to bounce back quickly when disaster strikes. Leading the charge in disaster preparedness is SM Supermalls, demonstrating how long-term planning, strong partnerships, and a deep commitment to safety can make a real difference.

Why SM Supermalls is a Leader in Disaster Readiness

SM’s approach to resilience goes far beyond simply recovering after an event. They’re actively investing in systems and collaborations that protect lives and build public trust. For SM, being disaster-ready means having the right tools, training, and coordination to act swiftly and effectively when emergencies hit.

The Power of the Incident Command System (ICS)

A cornerstone of SM’s strategy is the adoption of the Incident Command System (ICS). This standardized emergency response framework, widely used for its efficiency, ensures clear communication and defined roles during high-stress situations. Whether it’s government responders or private sector units, ICS allows everyone to work together seamlessly, improving resource management, streamlining communication, and strengthening accountability.

Training and Drills: Building a Culture of Readiness

SM’s commitment to preparedness is evident in their regular emergency drills across all their malls. They actively participate in nationwide earthquake and fire drills led by the Bureau of Fire Protection and support quarterly Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drills by the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. These drills involve both employees and mall tenants, fostering a widespread culture of readiness.

Certified for Business Continuity

Impressively, 79 SM malls are now certified under the Business Continuity Management Systems. This certification highlights their consistent and structured approach to disaster risk reduction, serving as both internal validation and a benchmark for other businesses to follow.

SM’s Resilience Hub: A Command Center for Safety

A vital part of SM’s resilience framework is its dedicated resilience center. This hub acts as a command center during major disruptions, connecting all SM malls for rapid information exchange and coordinated decision-making during emergencies.

Showcasing Preparedness on the Global Stage

SM’s dedication to disaster readiness recently took center stage at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila. SM City Clark hosted an ICS demonstration attended by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Resilience and international delegates. This event showcased a unified response involving mall management, local government, the BFP, and national disaster agencies, offering a real-world look at integrated disaster response.

Partnerships for a Resilient Future

In preparation for the site visit, SM Supermalls partnered with ARISE Philippines (the Private Sector Alliance for Resilient Societies) to conduct an ICS workshop alongside the Office of Civil Defense. This training brought together key personnel from SM City Clark and nearby businesses, providing hands-on training facilitated by experts from the BFP and the Philippine Army.

A Nationwide Commitment to Safety

SM’s vision for resilience is expansive and ongoing. Following the success of the Clark initiative, they are now rolling out the next phase of ICS workshops, starting with SM Mall of Asia and expanding to regional malls across the country. This nationwide implementation reflects a long-term strategy that prioritizes safety, community cohesion, and operational readiness for all.

“By investing in frameworks like the ICS, SM Supermalls demonstrates that resilience is not a reactive measure but an ongoing commitment,” says SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Liza Silerio. “In a landscape defined by environmental vulnerability, this commitment provides not only peace of mind but a tangible sense of preparedness for employees, tenants, and the public at large.”

Through proactive strategies and sustained partnerships with government and civil society, SM is building more than just safe spaces. They are actively cultivating a culture of resilience that empowers people and protects communities in the face of any uncertainty, reiterating their commitment to promoting a more disaster-ready Philippines.

Source: DailyTribune