Village Connect
In a significant step towards building a disaster-resilient nation, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE) Philippines held its first annual general meeting for 2025.
The event, held on January 27 at the ARISE Secretariat headquarters in MOA Square, Mall of Asia Complex, brought together a diverse group of 156 private sector companies, civil society groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions.
The meeting, themed “Catalyzing Progress for a Resilient and Sustainable Future towards ARISE 2030,” centered on the need for innovation, integration, and elevation in disaster resilience efforts. Engr. Liza Silerio, Co-Chair representing the private sector, welcomed the members and highlighted the network’s crucial role in promoting community resilience and sustainable progress.
The Office of Civil Defense Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of engineering solutions in disaster preparedness and the vital role of committed private sector leaders in building a more resilient nation.
Chief of Office UNDRR Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Marco Toscano-Rivalta commended ARISE Philippines for its outstanding contributions to disaster risk reduction, referencing the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Manila last October 2024.
The meeting also saw the unveiling of seven ARISE Philippines Materials and Knowledge products designed to support members in implementing resilience-building initiatives. A call to action was made 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 emphasized 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.
As the secretariat office of the ARISE Philippines network, SM Prime Holdings plays a vital role in advocating a culture of business resilience against natural and man-made hazards. With a growing membership and a clear vision, ARISE Philippines is poised to make a significant impact on disaster resilience efforts nationwide.
Loading…