SM Prime's MOA Complex: A Benchmark in Resilience and Innovation

The SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, a 67-hectare landmark on Manila Bay, exemplifies SM Prime Holdings' commitment to utilizing technology and innovation to improve disaster resilience and community protection across all of its projects.

Originally 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 desired to create "a destination that brings joy and opportunities to millions."

Hans Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman and co-chair of ARISE Philippines under the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Resilience (UNDRR), builds on his father's vision by emphasizing 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.

ARISE Philippines, founded in 2015, is the country's leading private sector alliance, with 157 members united by a common vision of a resilient and prosperous future. The organization, the UNDRR's first country network, strives to reduce disaster-related fatalities, assure risk-informed investments and assets, and construct infrastructure that can survive both natural and man-made hazards.

SM Prime's dedication to resilience is obvious in the MOA Complex's design, which includes cutting-edge disaster resilience structures to defend against the specific difficulties given by its coastal position.

Before building began, SM Prime sought the expertise of Jan de Nul, a well-known Belgian coastal development company. Their rigorous research and analysis secured the project's feasibility while accounting for the complicated interplay of land and water. To build a robust framework, the company performed risk assessments, which included the following steps: identify, analyze, plan, mitigate, and monitor. This thorough pre-engineering process established the framework for a building that, when finished in 2006, could survive the test of time and natural elements.
 
One of the most important issues addressed was soil erosion. To overcome this, the team installed a complex system of wick drains. These drains operate as routes for pore water in soft, compressible soil, successfully reducing erosion and maintaining land stability. This system, while more expensive than older approaches, offers much more protection, notably against liquefaction during seismic occurrences.

The hazard of ground liquefaction, which occurs when soil loses strength and acts like a liquid during earthquakes, was also addressed by innovative foundation design. Driven and drilled piles, together with accurate excavation processes, provide the complex with strong resilience to liquefaction and seismic activity.

A strong barrier protects the complex from storm surges, which are typical in coastal locations. This barrier, which is 4.5 meters higher than the Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) level, is strengthened with a wave return system. This inverted structure deflects large waves back into the sea, reducing their impact on the complex. A network of drainage canals improves flood protection during storm surges.

These features were critical in protecting the complex during Typhoon Pedring (international name Nesat) in 2011, as well as all subsequent severe weather disturbances this year, where the MOA Complex emerged largely unscathed while assisting nearby areas to avoid being inundated with prolonged deep flooding.
 
The complex's endurance goes beyond its base. The main road and other structures are elevated well beyond the National Building Code requirements, substantially reducing the risk of floods. Buildings are equipped with Earthquake Recording Instruments (ERI), which record seismic activity and give critical information for disaster planning.

The structural stability of the buildings themselves is also important. The roof deck, for example, is built to endure heavy loads, allowing it to act as a safe haven during an emergency. The outer façade consists of concrete masonry walls with outer Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS), which are designed to resist wind speeds of up to 270 kph while also providing good insulation. This dedication to safety makes SM Supermalls, such as the SM MOA, into safe havens for the community in times of crisis.

SM Prime's commitment to disaster resilience is more than just a reaction to prospective risks; it is a proactive strategy built into the DNA of all of its business operations. The company automatically commits a major amount of its capital expenditure to disaster resilience research and building, knowing that investing in safety is a long-term investment.

SM Prime's long-standing reputation as a responsible property developer stems not only from its contributions to the country's economic growth and the development of dynamic lifestyle destinations but also from its unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of the communities it serves. The MOA Complex is a striking emblem of this dedication, a beacon of perseverance in the face of catastrophic disasters.