The SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, a 67-hectare landmark along Manila Bay, showcases SM
Prime Holdings’ commitment to leveraging technology and innovation for disaster resilience
and community protection for all its projects.
Initially conceived as a pioneering mixed-use development on reclaimed land spearheaded by
the Philippine government, it has evolved into a benchmark of safety and stability, fulfilling the
vision of founder Henry Sy, Sr., who aspired to create “a destination that brings joy and
opportunities to millions.”
Expanding on his father’s vision, Hans Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman and co-
chair of ARISE Philippines under the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Resilience
(UNDRR), emphasizes the importance of creating resilient, sustainable spaces that prioritize
both safety and community well-being.
“We believe that safety is the cornerstone of thriving communities,” Mr. Sy states. In affirmation
of this belief, he stands as the first Filipino elected to the UNDRR ARISE Global Board.
Launched in 2015, ARISE Philippines is the country’s 157-member-strong premier private
sector alliance united by a shared vision of a resilient and prosperous future. The organization,
the first country network established by the UNDRR, aims to minimize disaster-related loss of
life, ensure investments and assets are risk-informed, and build infrastructure capable of
withstanding both natural and man-made hazards.
SM Prime’s commitment to resilience is evident in the very design of the MOA Complex, which
incorporates cutting-edge disaster resilience features to protect against the unique challenges
posed by its coastal location.
Before construction began, SM Prime engaged the expertise of Jan de Nul, a renowned Belgian
coastal development company. Their extensive research and studies ensured the viability of the
project, taking into account the complex interplay of land and sea. To create a resilient structure,
the company conducted risk reviews in which the following components are incorporated:
Identify, analyze, plan, mitigate, and monitor. This meticulous pre-engineering phase laid the
groundwork for a structure, completed in 2006, that was capable of withstanding the test of time
and nature.
One of the key challenges addressed was soil erosion. To combat this, the team implemented a
sophisticated system of wick drains. These drains act as pathways for pore water in soft,
compressible soil, effectively preventing erosion and ensuring the stability of the land. This
technology, while more costly than traditional methods, provides a significantly higher degree of
protection, particularly against liquefaction during seismic events.
The threat of ground liquefaction, a phenomenon where soil loses its strength and behaves like
a liquid during earthquakes, was also mitigated through innovative foundation design. Driven
and bored piles, combined with precise excavation methods, provide the complex with robust
resistance against liquefaction and seismic activity.
Reference photo for the driven piles methodology, which protects against soil liquefaction and provides strength against earthquakes.
To protect against storm surges, a common threat in coastal areas, the complex boasts a robust
seawall. This seawall, standing 4.5 meters higher than the Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW)
mark, is further reinforced by a wave return feature. This inverted structure deflects high waves
back towards the sea, minimizing their impact on the complex. A network of drainage channels
further enhances flood prevention during storm surges.
These features were instrumental in protecting the complex during Typhoon Pedring
(international name Nesat) in 2011, as well as in all succeeding severe weather disturbances
this year, where the MOA Complex emerged largely unscathed while helping nearby areas
avoid being inundated by prolonged deep flooding.
The wave return feature redirects water back into the bay, providing protection from high waves.
The Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex higher seawall and elevation prevent damage to the structure
from rising sea levels. (Inset) In addition, the drainage channels along the MOA Complex are
wide and deep enough to fit two buses side by side, helping prevent flooding from storm surges.
The complex’s resilience extends beyond its foundation. The main road and all structures are
elevated significantly above the National Building Code requirements, further minimizing the risk
of flooding. Buildings are equipped with Earthquake Recording Instruments (ERI) that monitor
seismic activity and provide valuable data for disaster preparedness.
The structural integrity of the buildings themselves is also paramount. The roof deck, for
instance, is designed to withstand substantial loads, ensuring it can serve as a safe refuge
during emergencies. The exterior façade is concrete masonry walls with Exterior Insulation
Finishing Systems (EIFS), designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 270 kph and provide
excellent insulation. This commitment to safety transforms SM Supermalls like the SM MOA into
havens for the community during times of crisis.
SM Prime’s dedication to disaster resilience is not merely a response to potential threats; it is a
proactive strategy integrated into the DNA of all its business operations. The company
automatically allocates a significant portion of its capital expenditure to disaster resilience
research and construction, recognizing that investing in safety is an investment in the future.
SM Prime’s longstanding reputation as a responsible property developer is built not only on its
contributions to the country’s economic growth and the creation of dynamic lifestyle
destinations, but also on its unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of
the communities it serves. The MOA Complex stands as a powerful symbol of this commitment,
a beacon of resilience in the face of natural adversity.
