The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE) Philippines, a leading resilience network in the country, held its first annual general meeting for 2025 on January 27 at the ARISE Secretariat headquarters in MOA Square, Mall of Asia Complex. With a growing membership of 156 private sector companies, civil society groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions, ARISE Philippines is poised to significantly impact disaster resilience efforts nationwide.
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| Mr. Hans Sy, ARISE Philippines Chairperson for the Private Sector, addresses members and observers. |
Under the theme “Catalyzing Progress for a Resilient and Sustainable Future towards ARISE 2030,” the meeting was grounded in the words “Innovate, Integrate, and Elevate,” urging members to embrace new approaches, collaborate across sectors, and raise the bar for disaster resilience standards.
ARISE Philippines Board Members (from left): Dr. Ma. Teresita Medado, Sylvestre Barrameda Jr., Austere Panadero, ARISE Philippines Co-Chair Engr. Liza Silerio, ARISE Global Board Member Vice Admiral (VADM) Alexander Pama, Raymond Rufino, and Michael Rellosa (not in photo: Rosemarie Rafael and Jessica Bianca Sy)
The
Co-Chair representing the private sector, Engr. Liza Silerio, welcomed the
collective and expressed her gratitude for the network’s role in promoting
community resilience and sustainable progress. For the public sector, Office of
Civil Defense Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of
engineering solutions in disaster preparedness and highlighted the critical
role of committed private sector leaders in building a more resilient nation.
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| Multi-sector representatives attend ARISE Philippines’ first Annual General Assembly in 2025. |
Chief
of Office UNDRR Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Marco Toscano-Rivalta,
in a video message, commended ARISE Philippines for its outstanding
contributions to disaster risk reduction. “I extend my profound gratitude for
ARISE Philippines’ exemplary leadership and contributions,” he stated. He
referenced the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction
held in Manila last October 2024, saying, “Your efforts were instrumental to
the event’s success. ARISE has showcased the power of public-private
partnerships and set the benchmark for other regions to follow.”
Member companies pledge their
participation in ARISE Philippines’ seven new programs.
ARISE
Global Board Member Vice Admiral (VADM) Alexander Pama, ret., was present to
bolster the local network and guarantee its support to the international
alliance. A highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of seven ARISE
Philippines Materials and Knowledge products by the ARISE Board of Directors.
These resources are designed to support members in implementing
resilience-building initiatives. The meeting also included a call to action for
members to actively participate in seven new programs to be initiated this
year.
In his closing remarks, ARISE
Philippines Chairperson for the Private Sector Mr. Hans Sy rallied the
assembled members and observers, emphasizing the importance of unity,
collaboration, and action. He urged everyone to work together to “co-create
bridges for resilience,” promoting a stronger and more resilient Philippines
for the next generations.
SM
Prime Holdings serves as the secretariat office of the ARISE Philippines
network to advocate a culture of business resilience against natural and
man-made hazards. For more information, visit www.arise.ph
or email secretariat@arise.ph.
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