SM Prime’s Flood Mitigation: Building Resilient Communities
SM Prime’s Flood Mitigation: Building Resilient Communities
SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) is a trailblazer in sustainability in the Philippines. Their commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in their innovative energy management programs, water recycling, renewable energy, and waste management initiatives. This dedication was emphasized during their participation in the recent Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. At the event, Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee, highlighted the importance of resilience and multi-sectoral collaboration for sustainable development.
Resilience in a Disaster-Prone Country
The Philippines faces numerous natural hazards, particularly tropical cyclones and typhoons. This makes disaster risk management (DRM) and resilient infrastructure essential. SM Prime employs a hydrological survey approach to identify flood-prone areas before construction.
SM City Marikina: A Model of Innovation
SM City Marikina exemplifies SM Prime’s commitment to resilience. Located beside the flood-prone Marikina River, it stands on 246 concrete stilts. This unique design allows floodwaters to flow beneath, keeping the mall and its occupants safe. During Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) in 2009, while surrounding areas suffered, SM City Marikina remained intact and served as a refuge for those affected.
SM City Cabanatuan: Strategic Design
Similarly, SM City Cabanatuan’s lower ground parking level doubles as a temporary catchment basin, showcasing another example of innovative flood mitigation. These design strategies ensure the malls remain operational and safe during severe weather events.
Rainwater Catchment Basins
Beyond these specific malls, SM Prime’s flood resilience extends to many other properties. A key innovation is the implementation of rainwater catchment basins. These underground tanks, the size of swimming pools, collect and store rainwater, preventing flooding in surrounding communities. Twenty-nine SM Supermalls have these basins, with a combined capacity of 85,400 cubic meters – enough to fill over 34 Olympic-sized pools.
SM City Masinag: Flood Mitigation in Action
SM City Masinag’s rainwater catchment basin played a crucial role during Super Typhoon Carina (Gaemi) in July 2024, collecting 8,652.60 cubic meters of rainwater. As the first SM mall equipped with a rainwater catchment basin, it significantly mitigates flooding in the historically flood-prone area of upper Antipolo. In the second half of 2024, SM malls prevented an estimated 46,405 cubic meters of rainwater from flooding surrounding areas.
Community Gratitude
Mr. Gareth Aboy, a resident near SM City Masinag, expressed his gratitude: “The residents of Vermont Park Executive Village of Antipolo would like to extend our thanks to SM City Masinag. Thank you for keeping your doors open, providing elevated parking, and for your water catchment basin that helps drain water from our flood-prone village. SM City Masinag is a treasure for our community.”
Investing in a Resilient Future
Sustainability and resilience are integral to SM Prime’s business strategy. They invest significantly in these measures, recognizing the benefits – safer communities, environmental protection, and enhanced business continuity – far outweigh the costs. SM Prime’s commitment to building a more resilient future for the communities they serve is unwavering.
In conclusion, SM Prime’s flood mitigation strategies, from elevated structures and rainwater catchment basins to their involvement in multi-sectoral collaborations, highlight their dedication to sustainability. By prioritizing resilience and innovative design, SM Prime continues to protect communities and foster a safer, sustainable future.
For more information on SM Prime’s flood mitigation strategies and sustainable initiatives, visit the official SM Prime Holdings website.
