We all know that the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) is a popular destination for unforgettable gastronomic and recreational experiences, but did you know that the 67-hectare Mall of Asia Complex where MOA stands is engineered to withstand disasters caused by natural hazards?
The foundation of the Mall of Asia Complex was built to be safe and secure because SM Prime Holdings, Inc., one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers incorporates disaster resiliency measures in every project, with the MOA Complex as one of its biggest investments.
SM Prime collaborated
with a team of local and international experts to ensure the feasibility of both
water and land before the MOA complex was built and once finalized, Belgium’s
renowned coastal development construction company, Jan de Nul,
developed it 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 climate change.
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.
The next time you
visit the MOA Complex – whether it is to visit the world’s largest IKEA, or to
view the sunset from the top of the MOA Eye, or to simply shop and dine with
your loved ones – it will be good to know that SM Prime has ensured your safety
and security from the time the development was conceptualized and opened in
2006.. to today and tomorrow.
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.
SM Prime is a key player
in the SM Green Movement that aims to improve the quality of life of
communities through sustainable solutions to promote a green planet, green
living and a green culture.
Find out more about SM Prime and
the SM Green Movement-- visit www.smprime.com and www.sminvestments.com/sustainability/sm-for-the-community/sm-green-movement/
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