Hans T. Sy: A Guiding Light for Disaster Resilience

In a striking testament to his unyielding dedication to climate and disaster resilience, Hans T. Sy, the Chairman of the Executive Committee at SM Prime Holdings, Inc., has been honored with the esteemed 'Dangal ng Pilipino Sa Pag-agapay Sa Ligtas na Sambayanan' award by the Office of Civil Defense.

Hans Sy (center) honored for exemplary leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. The award was bestowed by Office of Civil Defense Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno (left) and Department of National Defense Senior Undersecretary Irineo Espino (right). | Photo: SM Investments Corp.

This accolade, which translates to 'Filipino's Honor in Advancing a Secure Community,' not only spotlights Sy's exceptional leadership but also signifies a momentous milestone as he becomes the inaugural recipient from the private sector.

Hans T. Sy's journey encapsulates visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to forging a safer, more resilient world.

His outstanding accomplishments underscore the potency of collaboration, innovation, and the profound influence that the private sector wields over disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.

Sy is lauded for transforming SM Prime Holdings into an epitome of innovation in terms of disaster-resilient infrastructure. Guided by his visionary approach, the company allocates 10% of its capital expenditure for each project development toward resilient infrastructure enhancements.

This encompasses pioneering features such as rainwater catchment basins to avert flooding, fire prevention installations, and structures engineered to alleviate the impact of earthquakes.

Significantly, the recent unveiling of the rainwater filtration system at SM Baguio underscores the company's unwavering dedication to water security. Furthermore, under Sy's astute guidance, the establishment of the SM Resilience Center ushers in a new epoch of centralized monitoring and disaster management.

In addition, the implementation of the SM Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for Small and Medium-Scale enterprises within the malls provides essential remote data storage for critical documents, ensuring operational recovery in the face of potential disasters.

In harmony with the global pursuit of sustainable development, Sy has steered SM Prime Holdings toward the principles of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), aligning seamlessly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement.

Beyond his role at SM Prime Holdings, Sy has emerged as a pivotal figure in disaster risk reduction endeavors on both national and international scales.

Serving as the Co-Chair of the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Private Sector Alliance for Disaster-Resilient Societies—known as ARISE Philippines—and holding the position of Co-Chair of the National Resilience Council for the Private Sector, Sy's influence on resilience initiatives is far-reaching.

Sy's fervor for public-private collaboration has fostered remarkable partnerships, exemplified by the Adopt-A-City program of the National Resilience Council. Through this initiative, local government units are empowered with heightened disaster risk reduction capabilities, catalyzing community resilience.

For instance, SM Prime Holdings has installed 49 Automated Weather Stations atop their malls in collaboration with the Manila Observatory. This bold stride enhances climate and weather data collection, bolstering early warning systems to safeguard nearby communities.

This dedication aligns with SM's broader role as a catalyst for economic growth, enriching countless lives through sustainable and visionary developments. Within the expansive canvas of SM Investments Corporation—a prominent force in the Philippine business landscape—the group's footprint extends across retail, banking, and property sectors.

With the nation's largest and most diverse retail operations, a significant banking arm led by BDO Unibank, Inc., and a stake in China Banking Corporation, SM Investments Corporation captures and nurtures high-growth prospects within the dynamic Philippine economy.

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