The Importance of Community Disaster Risk Reduction and Management – Manila Bulletin

A person’s safety during calamities depends primarily on the preparedness of his community for disasters. No matter how well they prepare for all possible catastrophic scenarios, every bit of preparation can go down the drain if their community cannot respond effectively to such events.

Floods caused by Cyclone Ondoi 2009

This is why a Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (CBDRRMP) is necessary. It places the responsibility for preparing for disasters and other emergencies on the shoulders of society as a whole, ensuring that organizations, families and individuals can work together to make their community more resilient to disasters. CBDRRMP is important, especially for countries that are highly prone to disasters, such as the Philippines. Located within the Pacific Ocean and Hurricane Belt, the Philippines is frequented by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons, respectively. The country ranked ninth in the world in terms of exposure to disasters in the 2020 Global Risk Index.

One of the most common events in the Philippines is the floods which underscore the importance of effective flood water management. There are many ways in which local government units do this. Efforts range from structural measures such as large underground sewage systems, flood lanes, pumping stations, flood warning systems, and urban greening to non-structural measures such as reducing plastic waste, a major cause of urban flooding. With the country on five active fault lines, Filipinos must also prepare for earthquakes. This is the reason why many buildings are equipped with earthquake resistance features. Increasing the earthquake resistance of the country is the periodic earthquake exercises that are carried out at the national and organizational levels.

These are good examples of shared responsibilities and effective reintegration, where authorities and citizens work together to ensure the safety of life and property in their communities.

SM City Masinag has a rainwater harvesting tank that can store 17,681 cubic meters of water.

As a trusted and responsible developer of integrated properties, SM has always been committed to promoting disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) in its communities, which is evident in many malls using infrastructure design focused on disaster resilience. SM allocates 10 percent of its capital expenditures to integrate disaster-resisting features, among which is the installation of water management design features.

Artist’s illustration of the SM rainwater collection facility at 22 SM Malls nationwide.

Some examples are SM City Marikina, which was raised by several rows of concrete stilts to protect tenants and mall goers during severe flooding. The SM Mall of Asia is built with a storm barrier to provide additional protection during storm surges, and many malls use rainwater harvesting tanks to recycle rainwater.

Across the country, there are 22 SM malls that have rainwater harvesting tanks below the mall. All of these malls combined can capture and store 79,880 cubic meters of rainwater, the equivalent of 32 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The SM City Olongapo Central’s rainwater harvesting tank can hold up to 14,580 cubic meters of water.

“Wherever SM is, we try to help our communities withstand changing weather patterns,” explains SM’s Vice President of Engineering, Design and Development, Arch. Fides Garcia Hsu. “Nationally, we have 22 malls equipped with rainwater harvesting facilities that help manage rainwater to avoid flash floods to surrounding communities.”

These initiatives are supported by several initiatives focused on capacity building for stakeholders. It includes workshops and educational sessions on disaster risk management, regular participation in the quarterly national synchronized earthquake training for its employees, and the annual emergency preparedness forum for people with disabilities and the elderly, two of the most vulnerable sectors of society during disasters.

SM City San Mateo rainwater harvesting tank can collect 10800m3 of potential flood water.

Similarly, in line with its multi-stakeholder approach, SM Prime has also built long-term partnerships with organizations that advocate for disaster resilience in the Philippines. It includes collaborations with ARISE-Philippines, the National Resilience Council, the National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, the Office of Civil Defense, and the Office of Fire Protection, to name a few.

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