SM malls disaster-resilient, says architect
SM said its malls employ infrastructure design centered on disaster resilience
Daily TribuneSM said its malls employ infrastructure design centered on disaster resilience
BAGUIO CITY — One of the country's giant mall operators stresses the importance of a community-based disaster risk reduction and management plan in ensuring the safety of the people and properties.
The SM City of Baguio and SM Prime Incorporated stated that no matter how well prepared they are for all possible disaster scenarios, all of their planning will be for naught if their community is unable to respond effectively to such events.
Situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire and typhoon belt, the Philippines is frequented by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons. The country ranked 9th in the world in terms of vulnerability to calamities in the 2020 World Risk Index.
SM said it has always been committed to promoting disaster risk reduction and management in its communities, which is evident in many of its malls that employ infrastructure design centered on disaster resilience.
"Wherever SM is, we try to help our communities become resilient to changing weather patterns," explained Architect Fides Garcia-Hsu, vice president of SM Engineering, Design and Development.
"Nationwide, we have 25 malls equipped with rainwater catchment facilities that help rainwater management to avoid flash floods for surrounding communities," she added.
