Future-proofing your business

THE past five years have been the hottest consecutive years in record history, and the rate of heating is eight times higher than any given year.

Experts say that warmer seas provide more energy for storms. Last year, a record 29 tropical storms occurred in the Atlantic Ocean and in the Philippines, three tropical storms in the last quarter of 2020 dampened an already lethargic year principally due to the Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

And the pandemic brought the country’s economy to its knees since the second world war.

That means heavier and more frequent rainfall and tropical cyclones in the country. Floods would bring damage to businesses, manufacturing, crops, homes and lives.

Heat waves will result in drought, crop damage, forest fires and business disruptions of all sorts.

Business Protect is an insurance product that lowers the risk on businesses especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), still coping with the negative effects of the pandemic. It was introduced by Malayan Insurance Co. Inc.

Protecting business through insurance against floods, fire, theft and the like, is one mitigating measure versus the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic and climate change.

In 2010, the Philippines adopted the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change (NFSCC) which was translated to the government’s plan now known as the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP). The strategy lists key programs for adaptation and mitigation from 2011 to 2028.

Based on the action plan, climate projections done by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) indicate that all areas of the Philippines will get warmer, with largest increase in temperatures in the summer months of March, April and May (MAM) for 2020 and 2050.

Malayan Insurance is the leading nonlife insurance company in the country and is a member of the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC).