The irony of water, the proximity of disaster
Along with the irony of the Philippines having to import a dietary staple such as rice, the other sad irony would be how in a nation that’s an island archipelago, we have issues about potable, drinking water. But that is a hard fact for our country, that water conservation has become so important; that clean, drinking water is a precious commodity. Then you add climate change and plastic waste with the fact that we’re such a vulnerable country in the face of natural disasters, and constant attention to DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction) should be a way of life for us.
Engr. Liza Silerio is the vice-president for Corporate Compliance for SM Supermalls and program director for SM Environment and Sustainability. She has over 20 years of experience in mall operations, and is currently a board trustee of Weather Philippines Foundation Inc., a board member of ARISE Philippines Network, and represents SM in the National Resilience Council. So I’m honored to have her as my resource person today, to discuss disaster risk reduction and water conservation. It’s propitious timing, as SM Prime will be a returning speaker to our second MB Sustainability Forum this Nov. 21 and 22, at the UP Diliman.
For Engr. Liza, one of the most important messages is, “Water conservation should be a long term priority, promoted as part of adopting a sustainable lifestyle. It’s about sustainable infrastructure with disaster-resilient features - being proactive, precautionary and preventive.” Reading between the lines, it shouldn’t just be about reacting when there’s a dry spell or drought, or when we’re suddenly ravaged by typhoons, earthquakes, or disasters.
And correct me if I’m wrong, but that isn’t as easy and foolproof as it sounds. We are a nation where the ‘Bahala na’ attitude has been ingrained in our lifestyle - the proverbial ounce of prevention isn’t something we traditionally live by, and we’re more weaned on the medicine, ‘band-aid’, and cure. And obviously, this has to change if we’re to make any progress in Disaster Risk Reduction.
At SM Prime Holdings Inc., Engr. Liza has always pushed for a multisectoral approach, “We embark on DRR community activities such as coastal or waterways clean-up’s with the DENR (Department of the Environment and Natural Resources), the LGU (local government unit), and the barangay or community all participating. Collaboration and coordination is paramount; as is the recognition that addressing these challenges require expertise, resources, and the perspectives of the different sectors - in order to expedite the achieving of goals. If one insists on working unilaterally, additional tasks crop up, resources and manpower aren’t optimized.”
Silerio emphasizes how it’s about information campaigns, education, awareness, and training. This applies across the board, and it’s about continuously talking about best practices and programs at public forums. It’s getting everyone involved and investing in the principle. Managing solid waste, tree planting at water sheds to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, retrofitting homes to make them more resilient, collecting rainwater on barrels for future use; it’s making DRR practical, applicable, and adaptable by everyone - from SM stakeholders, to the tenants, and to the general community.
At the Supermalls level, it’s good to know that the water pass the parameters of DENR/LLDA, prior to release to city sewage lines or to the nearest body of water. Water policies, new technical innovation, monthly water testing conducted by third parties for compliance - these all form part of how the malls operate. Eco-friendly cleaning liquids are used, and over at SM City Baguio, they recently launched a system so that beyond collecting rainwater for non-potable use, said water can now be run through a filtration system for reuse in the operation and maintenance of the mall - part of their water recycling and net zero water discharge future.
For energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact, green building practices are in place at SM offices and malls. There’s pedestrian infrastructure, bicycle-related measures, a waste management program (their trash to cash started in 2007). The SM Hotels and Convention Centers have been composting since 2018, and thus diverting food waste from landfills.
SM Cares has its own role to play, with education, health, and social initiatives creating ripple effects as sustainability-driven investments. I’ve personally seen how they achieve this in urban farming and creating weekend markets where the produce can be sold.
A SM Prime roadmap to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040 has been adapted by the conglomerate. All of the above measures are being pursued diligently to stay the course in reaching this goal; and as you can appreciate, it’s a multi-pronged approach, doing small things on several fronts. Silerio’s overarching call is to recognize that we all have to do it together, with partnerships across sectors very important to ensure success.