On January 27, the ARISE Secretariat headquarters in MOA Square, Mall of Asia Complex, hosted the first annual general meeting for 2025 of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE) Philippines, one of the nation's premier resilience networks. ARISE Philippines, which now has 156 private sector enterprises, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions as members, is well-positioned to make a big difference in disaster resilience initiatives across the country.
Multi-sector representatives attend ARISE Philippines’ first Annual General Assembly in 2025.
Under the theme “Catalyzing Progress for a Resilient and Sustainable Future towards ARISE 2030,” the meeting was grounded in the words “Innovate, Integrate, and Elevate,” urging members to embrace new approaches, collaborate across sectors, and raise the bar for disaster resilience standards.
ARISE Philippines Board Members (from left): Dr. Ma. Teresita Medado, Sylvestre Barrameda Jr., Austere Panadero, ARISE Philippines Co-Chair Engr. Liza Silerio, ARISE Global Board Member Vice Admiral (VADM) Alexander Pama, Raymond Rufino, and Michael Rellosa (not in photo: Rosemarie Rafael and Jessica Bianca Sy)
In the private sector, the co-chair, Engr. Liza Silerio greeted the group and conveyed her appreciation for the network's contribution to sustainable development and community resilience. Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno of the Office of Civil Defense stressed the value of engineering solutions in disaster preparedness for the public sector and the vital role dedicated private sector leaders play in creating a more resilient country.
Chief of Office UNDRR Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Marco Toscano-Rivalta, in a video message, commended ARISE Philippines for its outstanding contributions to disaster risk reduction. “I extend my profound gratitude for ARISE Philippines’ exemplary leadership and contributions,” he stated. He referenced the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Manila last October 2024, saying, “Your efforts were instrumental to the event’s success. ARISE has showcased the power of public-private partnerships and set the benchmark for other regions to follow.”
Member companies pledge their participation in ARISE Philippines’ seven new programs.
ARISE Global Board Member Vice Admiral (VADM) Alexander Pama, ret., was present to bolster the local network and guarantee its support to the international alliance. A highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of seven ARISE Philippines Materials and Knowledge products by the ARISE Board of Directors. These resources are designed to support members in implementing resilience-building initiatives. The meeting also included a call to action for members to actively participate in seven new programs to be initiated this year.
Mr. Hans Sy, ARISE Philippines Chairperson for the Private Sector, addresses members and observers.
Mr. Hans Sy, Chairperson for the Private Sector at ARISE Philippines, urged the members and observers in attendance to act, work together, and remain together in his closing remarks. In order to build a stronger and more resilient Philippines for future generations, he called on everyone to cooperate in order to "co-create bridges for resilience."
SM Prime Holdings serves as the secretariat office of the ARISE Philippines network to advocate a culture of business resilience against natural and man-made hazards. For more information, visit www.arise.ph or email secretariat@arise.ph.
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