Did you know that the 67-hectare Mall of Asia Complex, where the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) is located, is built to resist disasters brought on by natural disasters? We all know that the MOA is a well-liked location for amazing culinary and recreational experiences.
SM Prime Holdings, Inc., one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, implements disaster resiliency measures in every project, with the MOA Complex as one of its biggest investments, the Mall of Asia Complex’s foundation was built to be safe and secure.
Before the MOA complex was built, SM Prime worked with a group of regional and international experts to ensure its viability on land and in the water. After that, Jan de Nul, a renowned coastal development construction company in Belgium, built the MOA complex from the ground up.
The reputable Jan de Nul made sure the terrain was stable and the complex’s roads were made resistant to earthquakes and erosion, in accordance with the National Structural Code of the Philippines and approved by both the Philippine Reclamation Authority and the National Government.
Three important disaster resiliency features were used in protecting the Complex and the coastal community of Pasay from tides and waves: One, a three-kilometer seawall built to stand against liquefaction; two, a meter-high inverted wave return to serve as defense against high waves; and three, a drainage channel to prevent floods during storm surges. This was put to test when Typhoon Pedring hit in 2011, and the Mall of Asia Complex was spared from destructive waves and flooding that submerged many other surrounding establishments.
As an added feature, both the Complex’s main road and all its structures are elevated 4 meters above the parameters set by the National Building Code. Pilings strengthened its foundation and greatly improved its soil bearing capacity.
Family fun, leisure and entertainment are the objectives behind the awe-inspiring grandeur of SM Mall of Asia, but this vision is founded on a commitment to safety and a secure foundation throughout the Complex. This is a firm philosophy of SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Mr. Hans T. Sy, a champion for disaster resilience, who continuously invests in DRR and in allocating 10% of the company’s expenditure for DRR in all of SM’s infrastructures throughout the country.
“Today, disasters have become more frequent and severe. The government and the private sector must work together to find solutions for greater resiliency. SM prime as a responsible property developer places Disaster Risk Reduction as one of its core strategies. It simply makes good business sense.” emphasizes Mr Hans Sy. He believes that not only is DRR an effective way to grow the business but it protects the communities where SM is located amid the increasing risks of climat echange.
Today, the MOA Complex is a bustling realization of Mr. Henry Sy Sr.’s grand vision for it to become both a premiere integrated leisure destination with a complimentary business and lifestyle district – one of the country’s truly revolutionary mixed-use developments, and a thriving example of disaster risk reduction at work.
It will be comforting to know that SM Prime has worked to ensure your safety and security ever since the development’s conception and 2006 opening, whether you’re visiting the MOA Complex to check out the largest IKEA in the world, watch the sunset from the top of the MOA Eye, or just to shop and eat with your loved ones. to the present and future.
SM Prime Holdings Inc., one of the leading property developers in Southeast Asia, is committed to providing safe and sustainable spaces for its stakeholders. Its development strategy is anchored on the responsible use of resources. In the communities it serves, it is able to promote resource conservation, environmental protection, and disaster resiliency by implementing solutions for water, waste, and energy management.
A major participant in the SM Green Movement, which seeks to create a greener world, greener living, and a greener culture through sustainable solutions, is SM Prime. Visit www.smprime.com and www.sminvestments.com/sustainability/sm-for-the-community/sm-green-movement/ to learn more about SM Prime and the SM Green Movement.
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