The SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, a 67-hectare landmark along Manila Bay, exemplifies SM Prime Holdings’ dedication to integrating technology and innovation to enhance disaster resilience and protect communities across its projects.

Originally envisioned as a groundbreaking mixed-use development on reclaimed land by the Philippine government, the complex has become a model of safety and stability.

It fulfills the vision of founder Henry Sy Sr., who aimed to create “a destination that brings joy and opportunities to millions.”

Expanding on his father’s vision, Hans Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee chairperson and co-chairperson of ARISE Philippines under the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Resilience (UNDRR), emphasizes the importance of creating resilient, sustainable spaces that prioritize both safety and community well-being. 

Cornerstone of communities

“We believe that safety is the cornerstone of thriving communities,” Mr. Sy states. In affirmation of this belief, he stands as the first Filipino elected to the UNDRR ARISE Global Board. 

Launched in 2015, ARISE Philippines is the country’s 157-member-strong premier private sector alliance united by a shared vision of a resilient and prosperous future. The organization, the first country network established by the UNDRR, aims to minimize disaster-related loss of life, ensure investments and assets are risk-informed, and build infrastructure capable of withstanding both natural and man-made hazards.

SM Prime’s commitment to resilience is evident in the very design of the MOA Complex, which incorporates cutting-edge disaster resilience features to protect against the unique challenges posed by its coastal location.

Before construction began, SM Prime engaged the expertise of Jan de Nul, a renowned Belgian coastal development company.

Their extensive research and studies ensured the viability of the project, taking into account the complex interplay of land and sea.

To create a resilient structure, the company conducted risk reviews in which the following components are incorporated: Identify, analyze, plan, mitigate and monitor.

Wick drains prevent erosion

This meticulous pre-engineering phase laid the groundwork for a structure, completed in 2006, that was capable of withstanding the test of time and nature.

One of the key challenges addressed was soil erosion. To combat this, the team implemented a sophisticated system of wick drains which act as pathways for pore water in soft, compressible soil, effectively preventing erosion and ensuring the stability of the land.

The technology, while more costly than traditional methods, provides a significantly higher degree of protection, particularly against liquefaction during seismic events.

The threat of ground liquefaction, a phenomenon where soil loses its strength and behaves like a liquid during earthquakes, was also mitigated through innovative foundation design.