There is a lot of talk about Filipinos having a resilient spirit. But when the rain comes, it takes more than our resilient spirit to rise above the devastating effects of our typhoons.
” I believe in an age-old adage: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Hans T. Sy
SM Supermalls makes readiness top priority when designing our malls. With our country facing an average of 20 typhoons a year, SM Engineering Design and Development (EDD) incorporates disaster resilient features in the architecture of our malls.
Here are some good to know resiliency trivia about SM CITY MARIKINA.
- SITTING ON 246 CONRETE STILTS
2. IT IS EQUIPPED WITH A WATER CATCHMENT
With our water catchment, we help absorb flood water in surrounding communities, especially when water level at the Marikina river rises. This was true when Typhoon Ondoy hit the country in 2009, flooding almost 85% of the city.
3. IT WAS BUILT WITH AN ADDITIONAL 20 METERS FURTHER FROM MARIKINA RIVER
We are able to act as first responders to our communities during typhoons. In 2020, we help families affected by Typhoon Ulysses, helping them have access to supplies as we all waited out the storm.
4. ITS UPPER GROUND LEVEL IS BUILT 20.5 METERS ABOVE NATURAL GROUND LEVEL
This clearance is higher than the maximum flood level ever recorded. With this, we have become a safe haven for affected families. In 2009, around 3,000 residents took refuge in SM City Marikina.
5. SM City Marikina has been recognized by the Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE) of The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) for being a model for disaster resilience.
Have you or your family ever hung out at SM City Marikina or any other SM mall to pass out a storm? Share your experience with us through the comment box below.
SM’S DISASTER RESILIENCE PROGRAM supports SDG 13
I realized that our ‘traditional bahay kubo’ on stilts was actually a sustainable structural genius. We should modernize it the way SM Marikina did! And look – it matches our weather!