How SM is helping communities prepare for floods

The Philippines sees an average of 20 typhoons a year and is one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This makes disaster preparedness a vital part of Filipinos' lives.

Recognizing the importance of disaster resilience, SM has invested 10 percent of its capital to help communities stay safe and flood-free during calamities.

Flood-proofing a 200-homeowner community

Located in Antipolo City, SM City Masinag is built with a water catchment that can store 17,681-cubic meters of water—the same size as seven Olympic-size swimming pools. During the massive flooding caused by Typhoon Ulysses, the mall area, along with a village of 200 homeowners at Vermont Park Phase 1, remained safe and flood-free.

Serving as a safe haven

Sitting on 246 concrete stilts, SM City Marikina is built to withstand typhoons and rising water levels. When Typhoon Ulysses caused the Marikina River's water level to rise by 22 meters, thousands of residents took shelter in the mall's complex. Since Typhoon Ondoy in 2009, Marikina residents have found refuge in SM City Marikina.

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Editor's Note: This article was provided by SM Supermalls as part of their Disaster Resilience program.