“Resilience is not just a word, it is a way of life. It is a commitment to ensure that we have the responsibilities to others and that no one is left behind,” said SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chairperson of ARISE Philippines and the National Resilience Council (NRC), Hans Sy.
SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chairperson of ARISE Philippines, Hans Sy
In celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) last October 13, 2023, Mr. Sy underscored the collective action and commitment of the private and public sectors toward achieving a sustainable and resilient nation during the 10th Top Leaders Forum held at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.
(L-R): Office of Civil Defense Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro IV, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) Assistant Vice President Jessica Sy-Bell, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Marilou Erni, United Nations (UN) Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction Mami Mizutori, SMPHI Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, UN Disaster Risk Reduction Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Chief Marco Toscano-Rivalta, and Department of the Interior and Local Government – Bureau of Fire Protection Fire Chief Superintendent Manuel Golino
Organized by ARISE Philippines, SMPHI, NRC, and its partner agencies, the Top Leaders Forum centered around the theme of “Transforming Victims to Victors: A Multi-Sectoral Approach to Inclusive Resilience” emphasizing collaborative efforts for disaster resilience.
“We need leaders for prevention. The prevention agenda is not a natural agenda. Only leaders who have foresight can take this agenda of prevention and disaster risk reduction forward,” Ms. Mizutori said.
United Nations Secretary-General Special Representative Mami Mizutori
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga
Policies into action: Disaster risk reduction strategies in the public and private sector
One of the event's highlights was the panel sessions, which brought together experts and leaders to discuss critical topics related to resilience. These topics included Environmental, Social, and Governance; Food-Water-Energy Nexus and DRR; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Resilience Framework; Synergy for Inclusive Resilience; and Innovative Technologies and Resilience.
Disaster risk reduction innovations at the Marketplace and Ignite Stage
The Marketplace showcased DRR innovations from various sectors, including government, private, foreign embassies, and local establishments. Each participant had a booth to exhibit their diverse DRR technologies, tools, and materials.
The Ignite Stage provided a platform for selected participants to present their DRR products and initiatives. Sessions were organized around five different themes: The Power of Resilience; Global Resilience Initiatives: Discussing Efforts and Strategies for Building Resilience on a Global Scale; Private Move, Private Action: Private Sector Initiatives to Resilience; Local Moves, Local Action: Local Government Units Resilience; and Resilience 301: National Government Action to Resilience.
Recognizing women’s resilience in disaster risk reduction
The 2023 Women’s International Network (WIN) for DRR Leadership Awards acknowledged the remarkable achievements of women in the Asia-Pacific region within the field of DRR. This initiative is an integral part of the pioneering WIN DRR program, supported by the Australian government.
It encompasses two distinct categories: the prestigious Excellence Award, sponsored by SMPHI, and the promising Rising Star Award. SMPHI endorsed the 2023 WIN DRR Excellence Award, offering a substantial USD 10,000 prize to recognize an exceptional woman excelling in the realm of DRR.
This year, Shaila Shahid from Bangladesh received the esteemed 2023 WIN DRR Excellence Award. Her exceptional contributions to DRR have made a resounding impact, resonating not only in Bangladesh but also across the Asia-Pacific region.
Shaila Shahid from Bangladesh is an environmental lawyer working globally to reduce the disaster risks for the urban poor.
Abia Akram from Pakistan, a dedicated advocate for women with disabilities for over 25 years, was honored with the prestigious 2023 WIN DRR Rising Star Award.
Abia Akram from Pakistan is a disability rights activist, known for founding the National Forum of Women with Disabilities in Pakistan.
The 2023 Women’s International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction (WIN DRR) Excellence Awardee Shaila Shahid (2nd from left), and Rising Star Awardee Abia Akram (3rd from left, front), are joined by other awards finalists.
To know more about SM Supermalls’ disaster risk reduction programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.
