In a landmark move for corporate disaster preparedness, SM Investments Corporation, under the leadership of the Sy family, has successfully concluded a comprehensive two-day training program on GeoRiskPH. This initiative was conducted in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, marking a significant milestone as the first Philippine conglomerate to undergo formal capacity-building on this government-developed, science-based hazard and climate risk platform.
Enhancing Corporate Resilience Through Science
The training sessions, which took place recently, brought together nearly 60 top executives from various subsidiaries within the expansive SM Group. Participants represented key companies such as SM Prime Holdings, SM Retail, BDO Unibank, China Banking Corporation, 2GO Group, and Philippine Geothermal Production Company. During the hands-on workshops, these leaders engaged in practical exercises focused on identifying location-specific risks associated with seismic activities, volcanic eruptions, and hydro-meteorological hazards like typhoons and floods.
Strategic Benefits for Enterprise and Community
According to SM Investments, this proactive training initiative is designed to support several critical objectives across its enterprise. These include conducting thorough climate risk assessments to safeguard assets and operations, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees and surrounding communities, and enabling faster, more effective disaster response mechanisms. By integrating GeoRiskPH into their strategic planning, SM aims to build a more resilient business model that can withstand environmental challenges.
Strengthening Public-Private Collaboration
Phivolcs officials have emphasized the importance of private-sector adoption of GeoRiskPH, highlighting how such partnerships strengthen public-private collaboration in disaster risk reduction efforts. This collaboration fosters risk-informed planning on a national scale, enhancing the Philippines' overall preparedness for natural disasters. The involvement of a major conglomerate like SM sets a powerful precedent for other corporations to follow, potentially leading to broader implementation of science-based risk management strategies across industries.
This training underscores SM Investments' commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices, aligning with global trends in climate adaptation and disaster resilience. As the Philippines faces increasing climate-related challenges, initiatives like this are crucial for building a safer, more secure future for both businesses and communities.
