The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Private
Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE) Philippines, a leading
resilience network in the country, held its first annual general meeting for
2025 on January 27 at the ARISE Secretariat headquarters in MOA Square, Mall of
Asia Complex. With a growing membership of 156 private sector companies, civil
society groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academic
institutions, ARISE Philippines is poised to significantly impact disaster
resilience efforts nationwide.
Multi-sector representatives attend ARISE Philippines’ first Annual General Assembly in 2025. |
Under the theme “Catalyzing Progress for a Resilient and Sustainable
Future towards ARISE 2030,” the meeting was grounded in the words “Innovate,
Integrate, and Elevate,” urging members to embrace new approaches, collaborate
across sectors, and raise the bar for disaster resilience standards.
The Co-Chair representing the private sector, Engr. Liza Silerio,
welcomed the collective and expressed her gratitude for the network’s role in
promoting community resilience and sustainable progress. For the public sector,
Office of Civil Defense Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the
importance of engineering solutions in disaster preparedness and highlighted
the critical role of committed private sector leaders in building a more
resilient nation.
ARISE Philippines Board Members (from left): Dr. Ma. Teresita Medado, Sylvestre Barrameda Jr., Austere Panadero, ARISE Philippines Co-Chair Engr. Liza Silerio, ARISE Global Board Member Vice Admiral (VADM) Alexander Pama, Raymond Rufino, and Michael Rellosa (not in photo: Rosemarie Rafael and Jessica Bianca Sy) |
Chief of Office UNDRR Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Marco
Toscano-Rivalta, in a video message, commended ARISE Philippines for its
outstanding contributions to disaster risk reduction. “I extend my profound gratitude for ARISE Philippines’ exemplary
leadership and contributions,” he stated. He referenced the Asia Pacific
Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Manila last October
2024, saying, “Your efforts were
instrumental to the event’s success. ARISE has showcased the power of
public-private partnerships and set the benchmark for other regions to follow.”
Member companies pledge their participation in ARISE Philippines’ seven new programs. |
ARISE Global Board Member Vice Admiral (VADM) Alexander Pama, ret.,
was present to bolster the local network and guarantee its support to the
international alliance. A highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of seven
ARISE Philippines Materials and Knowledge products by the ARISE Board of
Directors. These resources are designed to support members in implementing
resilience-building initiatives. The meeting also included a call to action for
members to actively participate in seven new programs to be initiated this
year.
Mr. Hans Sy, ARISE Philippines Chairperson for the Private Sector, addresses members and observers. |
In his closing remarks, ARISE Philippines Chairperson for the Private Sector Mr. Hans Sy rallied the assembled members and observers, emphasizing 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.
SM Prime Holdings serves as the secretariat office of the ARISE Philippines network to advocate a culture of business resilience against natural and man-made hazards. For more information, visit www.arise.ph or email secretariat@arise.ph. (SM Supermalls)