Construction innovation makes SM Masinag flood-free
capable of withstanding floodwaters.
THE AREA of Masinag along Marcos Highway in Antipolo has always been known to be flood-prone even way before the days of Ondoy. SM Prime Holdings, however, saw opportunity instead of liability in this forgotten side of the north by building its 41st mall - SM Masinag - as the first shopping complex in the country that employs an innovative construction design SM Masinag's water storage system design includes a holding tank that collects rainwater coming from the mall's roof gutter, driveway, and roadway drainage systems. The structure also connects the drainage systems of nearby subdivisions along Marcos Highway to direct floodwaters away from these communities and into the mall's water storage tank. The tank can accommodate up to 15,000 cubic meters of rainwater.
The groundbreaking construction plan was made possible through SM Prime Holding's SM Cares Environment program led by its director, Lisa Silerio. Silerio explained that the mall's proximity to this highly floodprone part of Antipolo is the main reason for incorporating a 3,000,000-gallon holding tank in the design in order to absorb the damaging impact of heavy rains.
"This revolutionary water storage system reflects the company's overall green consciousness as part of our commitment to the welfare of the community we serve, its people, and the environment," added Silerio.
From the holding tank, stored rainwater goes through sewage treatment for re-using in cooling towers, comfort room flushing, irrigation and grounds maintenance. Environmentalist, forester, and former member of the inter-agency committee on Climate Change Secretariat, Eric Tan, affirms that the water storage facility can be considered as a water conservation measure.
"Not only does this reduce the water bills of the building; it also reduces the use of electric consumption since additional electricity needed to produce the required pressure is avoided. Re- duced electricity consumption also means reduced carbon emission," Tan explained.
Since the water storage facility started operating over a year ago, SM Masinag has been able to reduce its potable water consumption by as much as 13.44% percent. The success of this design is now paving the way for a replication in SM Baguio, which will soon go through a redevelopment to include an underground water reservoir. This will have a water capacity of 6.9 million liters, which is equivalent to the absorption capacity of about 4,000 pine trees.