SM Investments Corp. is integrating government hazard data into its property and investment planning as it seeks to strengthen the resilience of its businesses and communities against natural disasters.

The SM Group parent has partnered with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DoST-Phivolcs) to use the GeoRiskPH platform in assessing risks across its facilities, assets and operations nationwide.

MoA between SM Investment and Phivolcs

Under a memorandum of agreement (MoA), SM Investments consultant and head of Investor Relations and Sustainability Timothy Daniels and Phivolcs director Teresito C. Bacolcol signed a deal allowing the company to use GeoRiskPH tools, including HazardHunterPH Pro, GeoMapper PH, PlanSmart and GeoAnalyticsPH.

The tools provide information on hydrometeorological and geological hazards that can help SM make more informed decisions on property development, asset management, business continuity and future investments.

“Partnerships like this with the private sector contribute significantly in helping us better understand the country’s multi-faceted needs regarding resilience,” Bacolcol said.

“The government actively encourages more public-private partnerships of this nature, as integrating data-driven hazard tools in businesses is essential for sustainable national development and effective disaster risk reduction,” he added.

Daniels said incorporating hazard information into investment decisions would help the company better understand risks surrounding its properties and operations.

“SM has always taken a long-term view of its investments. Understanding the risks around our properties and operations helps us make better decisions about where and how we invest,” Daniels said.