SM Investments Corporation Pioneers Private Sector Adoption of GeoRiskPH Platform
In a landmark public-private partnership, SM Investments Corporation has become the first major conglomerate in the Philippines to complete comprehensive training on the GeoRiskPH platform, marking a significant advancement in corporate disaster preparedness and climate resilience strategies. The two-day intensive workshop, conducted in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), equipped nearly 60 executives and representatives from across the SM Group with hands-on skills to utilize this innovative suite of online tools.
Strengthening Resilience Through Science-Based Tools
The training provided participants with practical workshops on navigating the GeoRiskPH platform, which serves as a central source for environmental hazard assessment and risk evaluation. This science-based, user-friendly system enables organizations to identify location-specific vulnerabilities related to seismic activity, volcanic threats, and various hydro-meteorological hazards, including those exacerbated by climate change. The platform's capabilities extend to displaying percentage calculations of land areas prone to hazards, with detailed analyses covering both demographic factors and infrastructure considerations.
"As a group, we welcome this partnership as an important step in harnessing science-based tools to deepen our understanding of disaster and climate risks," emphasized Koleen Davila Palaganas, Head of the SM Group Sustainability Office. "This collaboration demonstrates how the public and private sectors can work together effectively to protect our communities."
Comprehensive Platform Features and Applications
Since receiving program approval in 2019, the GeoRiskPH platform has evolved to include several innovative companion tools:
- HazardHunterPH: Provides multi-hazard assessment services accessible to individuals, public agencies, and private sector organizations
- GeoMapperPH: Functions as a multi-user platform facilitating data collection and analysis for developing the national exposure database
- GeoAnalyticsPH: A web-based platform presenting maps and analytical tools to support risk-informed planning and decision-making processes
- PlanSmart: A comprehensive digital planning platform supporting automated disaster rehabilitation and recovery planning, along with smarter, risk-informed land-use planning
Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol, DOST-PHIVOLCS Director, highlighted the initiative's proactive nature: "This partnership equips stakeholders including local government units, national government agencies, and now the private sector with better tools to protect livelihoods and community safety."
Strategic Business Applications and Future Implications
The training participants represented diverse SM Group subsidiaries including SM Prime Holdings, Inc., SM Retail, Inc., SM Markets, BDO Unibank, Inc., China Banking Corporation, 2GO Group, Inc., and Philippine Geothermal Production Company, Inc. This broad participation underscores the conglomerate's commitment to integrating disaster resilience across its extensive operations.
Palaganas further explained the strategic importance: "Given the SM Group's nationwide presence, effective utilization of GeoRiskPH contributes significantly to employee and community safety while enabling faster, more informed disaster response and relief operations."
William Quesang, China Banking Corporation's Chief Sustainability Officer, expressed appreciation for the partnership: "This collaboration provides valuable tools for actively managing our risk exposure rather than merely reacting to events. It particularly assists in assessing potential sites for future branch locations."
Broader Sustainability Initiatives and Historical Context
This training initiative represents part of SM Group's comprehensive climate risk assessment program for its business units and continues an ongoing partnership with DOST that began with a 2024 memorandum of understanding. That agreement aimed to identify cooperation areas in plastics management and broader sustainability efforts, strengthening the principle of public-private partnership.
The GeoRiskPH platform itself originated as a multi-agency endeavor led by PHIVOLCS in 2018, with funding from DOST in collaboration with the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).
Beyond disaster preparedness, the SM Group continues advancing sustainable building designs through its property development arm, SM Prime. To date, seven SM properties have achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification, representing globally recognized standards for environmental features and responsible construction practices. Additionally, NEO—one of SM's portfolio investments—has developed and manages seven green-certified buildings in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, incorporating climate and disaster resilience directly into project development.
This groundbreaking partnership between SM Investments Corporation and DOST-PHIVOLCS establishes a new benchmark for corporate engagement in national disaster resilience efforts, demonstrating how private sector resources combined with government scientific expertise can create more sustainable and safer communities across the Philippines.
