Strengthening Disaster Preparedness: SM Makes the Incident Command System Possible

In a country like the Philippines, where typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural calamities are part of the norm, resilience is not just a necessity but a way of life. Ranked consistently high in the World Risk Index due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and the typhoon belt, the nation faces challenges that demand coordinated, forward-thinking approaches to disaster preparedness and response. 

Among those leading the way is SM Supermalls, whose commitment to resilience continues to evolve through investments in systems that safeguard not only business continuity but, more importantly, the communities they serve.

Disaster resilience in the private sector has become increasingly crucial.

Corporations have the capacity to create ripple effects both in terms of operational continuity and their influence on surrounding communities. For SM, a sustained and risk-informed approach to resilience ensures that when emergencies strike, response is swift, coordinated, and grounded in tested protocols.

A key initiative in this approach is the company’s very own rollout of the Incident Command System (ICS). Designed to provide a standardized structure for managing emergency response, the ICS originated in the United States and is widely recognized as an on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept. Through its unified hierarchy and clearly defined roles, the ICS ensures that different responders---from government agencies to private security teams---can act in sync. This leads to more efficient resource management, better communication, and a higher degree of accountability during high-pressure situations.

As part of the initiative, SM regularly implements emergency preparedness drills across its network of malls and consistently participates in nationwide efforts for disaster preparedness, such as the annual fire and earthquake drills led by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). These efforts are complemented by support for the quarterly Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drills led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). These exercises include both employees and tenants, creating a culture of readiness that extends beyond corporate boundaries.

In addition, 79 SM Supermalls have been certified under the Business Continuity Management Systems---a reflection of the company’s structured and systematized approach to disaster risk reduction and recovery. This level of certification not only reflects internal diligence but also sets a benchmark for the broader business sector.

SM also has a dedicated resilience center, which operates as a centralized communications hub during large-scale disruptions. This facility coordinates with all SM malls to ensure rapid information flow and streamlined decision-making in the event of a national emergency.

SM’s collaborative approach to disaster resilience was also demonstrated during the 2024 Asia- Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila. On the last day of the conference, SM City Clark became the focal point of an ICS demonstration attended by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Resilience and foreign delegates.

The event showcased a unified response involving mall management, the Clark and Angeles municipalities, the BFP, OCD Region 3, and NDRRMC. Together, they enacted coordinated procedures designed to enhance public safety, offering an up-close look at how integrated disaster response works in a real-world environment.

In preparation for the site visit, SM Supermalls partnered with ARISE Philippines, the Private Sector Alliance for Resilient Societies, to conduct an ICS workshop alongside the OCD. This training brought together heads of operations, human resources, security, and Information Technology from SM City Clark and nearby locators such as Park Inn Hotel. Facilitated by experts from the BFP and the Philippine Army, the workshop provided hands-on training in ICS protocol, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to capacity-building at the local level.

Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance arm strengthens Fire Prevention call, mounts webinar with BFP

The damage of getting your house razed by fire is insurmountable; fires at home can break out anytime and anywhere and can damage livelihood, household appliances and more. In 2018, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded a total of 14,316 incidents of fire from January until December.

This is why every March is Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines, and BFP’s campaign for this month is safety consciousness among our people every day of the year as a positive preventive approach to a problem that can be solved by more caution, vigilance, sobriety, exercise of common sense and respect for the law.” It is a campaign that focuses on exercising vigilance at home and keeping oneself knowledgeable on the best way to protect your home and family from destruction brought about by fire.

“Cebuana Lhuillier has always committed to be of help to the Filipinos at all times, and our call for Fire Prevention is a reflection of that, our insurance products that aims to keep our clients protected at all times is a complementary effort to our advocacy for this month.” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

PJ Lhuillier’s insurance arm, the Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers, Inc (CLIB), has also expressed its support for BFP’s campaign through the years. It has been a staunch advocate of having Filipinos insured, posting almost a 35% contribution to the total number of insured Filipinos through microinsurance. CLIB has also worked together closely with the Insurance Commission in promoting microinsurance in the country, they have settled over more than 5,300 million claims worth over Php 500 million they have serviced over 16,500 claimants. Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers’, Inc. is also the first and only ISO-certified insurance broker in the Philippines.

Also launched this month in conjunction with the celebration of the Fire Prevention Month is a promo dubbed “Panalo ka sa ProtectMax” where clients of the ProtectMax product of CLIB get a chance to win Php 25,000. The promo is open to all clients who will purchase 5 ProtectMax COCs; these 5 COCs are equal to e-raffle entry. For the promo, 20 lucky raffle winners will be selected and will win Php 25,000.

“This Fire Prevention month, it is very important to drumbeat awareness on fire safety and prevention, and the importance of being protected. CLIB believes that an information and education drive is very important to ensure that everyone is well-informed against conflagration.” said Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers’ Inc., Jonathan Batangan.

For clients who are interested to keep themselves protected without having to go to Cebuana Lhuillier’s more than 2,500 branches, they may purchase Home Insurance via the ProtectNow app or website, just log on to protectnow.com to see CLIB’s full range of products online.

They’ve also mounted the #SunogFreeWorryFree: ProtectMax Kontra Sunog webinar which aims to highlight the importance of being ready for untoward situations especially fire, and the importance of having protection whenever there are threats of conflagration.

Prevent fire Mishaps this Summer and Always

If there is one thing that the pandemic has taught us, it’s to always look after the things that matter the most, including the home that keeps us safe through these challenging times. Even amid a pandemic, fire cases in the country continue to rise, but these can be avoided with proper caution and preparation.

AXA Philippines is here to help you secure your home and your family’s safety with these tips:

Get a smart smoke detector. It's one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your family. A smart smoke detector will give you an instant warning which can greatly reduce fire-related accidents. Another great thing about having smart devices at home is that they allow you to monitor remotely. In case a fire breaks out while you’re not home, your smart smoke detectors can send you an alert on your phone, so you can call the fire department or ask a neighbor to check on your house.

Mind your electricals. A common cause of fires in the country is faulty electrical wiring. Make sure to hire professional help when you smell anything burning or see flickering or dimming lights, as well as discoloration or scorch marks on your outlets. If the members of your household are working or studying from home, make sure to not overload your power outlets. Plug in only the appliances and devices that are necessary and don’t leave anything plugged in overnight. That way, you not only get to keep your house safe but also save money on energy bills.

Keep plants away from fire source. During quarantine, many have tried fostering their green thumb. Always be mindful of where you place your potted plants because they can easily catch fire. It’s also best not to have them in the kitchen. Instead, put them where they will be safe and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, don’t put out cigarette butts in the soil of the plants. Most potting soils contain large volumes of peat moss, shredded wood, bark, and vermiculite – all of which are highly flammable.

Have an immediate emergency contact. Even if you try to be safe, emergencies can still happen anytime. AXA Philippines provides an enhanced emergency response service through Rescue Line, which is available for free for everyone. It’s a special 24/7 service accessible through Emma by AXA mobile app if you need emergency response such as in case of a fire, among other things. Rescue Line has a dedicated command center so you can receive help directly from the nearest fire station, thanks to its nationwide coverage. It also notifies not only the authorities but also your nominated loved ones simultaneously.
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For more information about AXA Rescue Line, visit https://axa.com.ph/rescue-line

Five Home Fire Safety Tips to Protect Your Family

Did you know that an average of 42 fire incidents occurs in the Philippines daily? This amounts to around ₱4.65 billion worth of damage every year. According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, the top causes of fire outbreaks in the Philippines are faulty electrical connections, lighted cigarette butts, and open flames. 

Since most of us are staying home with our families during this time, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our haven and sanctuary remains free from such health hazards. This Fire Prevention Month, educate yourself and your family on fire safety measures. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Here are five fire prevention measures you need to take: 

Install smoke alarms 

First things first: install a smoke alarm. These alarms can detect fire way before your nose can smell smoke. Early detection can save your house—and your loved ones’ lives. 

Install smoke alarms on every floor, including inside bedrooms and living areas. Mount each unit on the ceiling or high up on walls. Don’t forget to test these out every month and change the batteries every year. You don’t want them to fail you when a fire actually breaks out. After ten years of use, replace each unit. 

Try: X-SENSE Smoke Alarm, ₱1,500

Get fire extinguishers or blankets ready

Did you know that using water to extinguish fires isn’t fool-proof? Since oil and water don’t mix, using the latter to extinguish grease fires can actually cause it to spread. Additionally, water conducts electricity and you can get electrocuted if you try to douse an electrical fire. 

Instead, invest in a fire extinguisher or fire blanket. Confused about which one to use? Smother smaller fires in the kitchen with a fire blanket. They’re less messy and won’t damage food items in your kitchen. For bigger, harder-to-reach fires, use a fire extinguisher. Make sure they’re available on each floor. Place them near the kitchen, garage, and any other exit routes. 

Try: Daytech Fire Blanket, ₱489

Avoid open flames 

Does your weekend pamper routine feature scented candles? Place your candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface, preferably at a distance from your bed, curtains, and other flammable items. To avoid flare-ups, light them far away from aircon vents or electric fans. 

You might feel relaxed and ready for bed with soothing scents, but never doze off and leave your candles unattended. Consider switching to battery-operated candles if you have kids and pets who might accidentally knock them over. 

Try: At Home LED Candle, ₱230

Keep all appliances in working order

If you’ve been squeezing the last ounce of life out of your old appliances, it’s time to put them to rest. You’re not saving money by continuing to use rickety appliances until they give out. The faulty machinery and frayed cables pose a fire hazard. A fire outbreak will end up being more expensive than a new appliance. 

Most home fires start in the kitchen, so keep cooking appliances, in particular, functioning properly. For malfunctioning appliances, don’t attempt to use and call in a repairman as soon as possible. Replace if needed. 

Try: Haier Cooking Range, ₱15,799

Create a fire escape plan 

In the same way you practice fire drills at school or at the office, your family should craft its own home fire escape plan as well. 

Establish primary and alternative escape routes from the house and pick at least two meeting spots in case family members get separated from each other. Teach everyone the Stop, Drop, and Roll method in the event that their clothes catch fire. Lastly, buy an emergency medical kit you can easily grab on your way out of the house.

Try: Mediplast Emergency Kit, ₱465

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe from harm with these doable tips. Taking such exhaustive measures might feel excessive, but as with everything else, prevention is better than cure. For emergencies, call the National Emergency Hotline at 911, or the Philippine Red Cross at 143.

For all your shopping needs, download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

About Shopee

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan. Shopee connects shoppers, brands, and sellers across Asia and other fast-growing markets, empowering anyone to buy and sell anywhere and at any time. 

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. It offers a wide product assortment, supported by integrated payments and logistics, as well as popular entertainment features tailored for each market. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

Shopee is a part of Sea Limited (NYSE:SE), a leading global consumer internet company. In addition to Shopee, Sea’s other core businesses include its digital entertainment arm, Garena, and digital financial services arm, SeaMoney. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology.

About ShopeePay

ShopeePay is an integrated mobile wallet that offers users easy access to digital payment services. Launched in the Philippines in 2019, ShopeePay enables a seamless shopping experience by allowing users to make online payments on Shopee, top-up their wallets, and transfer and withdraw funds.

ShopeePay makes it easier to shop and do business. It provides users with a convenient, secure, and rewarding payment option; it empowers businesses and helps them capture new opportunities. 

ShopeePay is part of SeaMoney, the digital financial services arm of Sea Group. A leading digital payments and financial services provider in Southeast Asia, SeaMoney’s mission is to better the lives of individuals and businesses in the region with financial services through technology.