SM Investments Corp. is integrating government hazard and risk data into its investment and property planning as it seeks to strengthen the resilience of its assets and operations across the country.
The conglomerate partnered with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) to use GeoRiskPH, a government platform that consolidates information on natural hazards and related risks.
Under a memorandum of agreement signed on Friday, SM will use GeoRiskPH tools, including HazardHunterPH Pro, Geomapper PH, PlanSmart and GeoAnalyticsPH to assess hydrometeorological and geological hazards affecting its facilities, assets and operational sites.
The information will support decisions involving SM’s properties, business continuity plans, asset management and longer-term investments.
“SM has always taken a long-term view of its investments. Understanding the risks around our properties and operations helps us make better decisions about where and how we invest,” said Timothy Daniels, consultant and head of investor relations and sustainability at SM Investments.
“Working with DOST-Phivolcs gives us access to the country’s scientific expertise and better information to strengthen our businesses and the communities we serve,” he added.
Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said the partnership would encourage greater use of scientific hazard information in the private sector.
“Partnerships like this with the private sector contribute significantly in helping us better understand the country’s multifaceted needs regarding resilience,” he said.
“The government actively encourages more public-private partnerships of this nature, as integrating data-driven hazard tools in businesses is essential for sustainable national development and effective disaster risk reduction.”
SM said the initiative formed part of its approach to climate adaptation and disaster resilience, allowing physical risks to be considered in investment, asset management and business continuity decisions.
The partnership comes as SM continues to expand its businesses and investments across the Philippines, where natural hazards can affect properties, operations and business continuity.
SM Investments is the parent company of the SM group, with interests in property, banking and retail.
The company’s shares on Friday dropped P5.00, or 0.89 percent, to close at P555.00 each.
