SM, PHIVOLCS Advance Disaster-Resilient Planning

SM Investments Corporation is strengthening disaster preparedness across its nationwide operations through a new partnership with the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), bringing scientific hazard information closer to business and investment planning.

The partnership gives SM access to GeoRiskPH, the government’s integrated platform designed to provide information on natural hazards and related risks. Through its tools, SM aims to improve how it evaluates potential threats affecting properties, facilities, assets and operational locations throughout the Philippines.

The memorandum of agreement was signed by Timothy Daniels, Consultant and Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability of SM Investments, and PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol.

Among the GeoRiskPH resources that SM will utilize are HazardHunterPH Pro, Geomapper PH, PlanSmart and GeoAnalyticsPH. These platforms provide information that can help identify exposure to geological and hydrometeorological hazards, giving decision-makers additional scientific data when evaluating existing properties and future developments.

The information will also support SM’s business continuity planning, asset management and long-term investment decisions as the group continues to expand its presence nationwide.

Bacolcol emphasized that greater cooperation between government and the private sector can contribute significantly to national disaster resilience. He said integrating data-driven hazard assessment tools into business operations supports sustainable development while helping improve disaster risk reduction.

For SM Investments, incorporating scientific information into corporate planning complements its long-term approach to building businesses capable of responding to environmental and disaster-related risks.

Daniels said understanding the risks surrounding SM’s properties and operations allows the company to make better decisions on where and how it invests. Working with PHIVOLCS, he added, provides access to national scientific expertise that can help strengthen both businesses and the communities they serve.

The collaboration also supports SM’s broader climate adaptation and resilience initiatives. Using government-generated hazard information can help the company anticipate physical risks, improve preparedness and incorporate resilience considerations into future investments.

As SM continues growing across the Philippines, the partnership demonstrates how businesses and government agencies can work together to transform scientific data into practical planning tools—helping protect investments while contributing to safer, better-prepared and more resilient communities.