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?
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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