ARISE Philippines Hosts First Annual General Meeting, Paving the Way for a Resilient 2030

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE) Philippines, a key resilience network in the country, successfully held its first Annual General Meeting for 2025 on January 27 at the ARISE Secretariat headquarters in MOA Square, Mall of Asia Complex. With a rapidly expanding membership of 156 private sector companies, civil society organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions, ARISE Philippines is set to make a significant impact on disaster resilience efforts nationwide.

A Unified Commitment to Resilience and Sustainability

Bringing together representatives from multiple sectors, the meeting was held under the theme:
“Catalyzing Progress for a Resilient and Sustainable Future towards ARISE 2030.”
Guided by the principles of Innovate, Integrate, and Elevate, members were encouraged to embrace new strategies, foster cross-sector collaboration, and raise disaster resilience standards.

Leadership in Action

The ARISE Philippines Board Members in attendance included:

• 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
• Michael Rellosa (not in photo: Rosemarie Rafael and Jessica Bianca Sy)

Engr. Liza Silerio, ARISE Philippines Co-Chair representing the private sector, opened the meeting by acknowledging the collective efforts in promoting community resilience and sustainable development.

Office of Civil Defense Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the critical role of engineering solutions in disaster preparedness and stressed the importance of private sector leadership in building a more resilient nation.

Global Recognition for ARISE Philippines

In a video message, Marco Toscano-Rivalta, Chief of Office at UNDRR Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, praised ARISE Philippines for its remarkable contributions to disaster risk reduction.

“I extend my profound gratitude for ARISE Philippines’ exemplary leadership and contributions. Your efforts were instrumental to the success of the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Manila last October 2024. ARISE has demonstrated the power of public-private partnerships and set a benchmark for other regions to follow.”

Expanding Resilience Efforts

A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of seven new ARISE Philippines Materials and Knowledge products by the ARISE Board of Directors. These resources will equip members with the necessary tools to implement effective resilience-building initiatives.

Additionally, members pledged their participation in seven new programs that will be launched this year, reinforcing their commitment to driving disaster resilience across the country.

A Call to Build a Resilient Future

Hans Sy, ARISE Philippines Chairperson for the Private Sector, closed the event with an inspiring call to action:

“We must stand united in our mission to co-create bridges for resilience. Through collaboration and action, we can build a stronger, more disaster-resilient Philippines for future generations.”

Continuing the Advocacy for Business Resilience

As the secretariat office of ARISE Philippines, SM Prime Holdings remains committed to promoting a culture of resilience against natural and man-made hazards.

For more information about ARISE Philippines and its initiatives, visit www.arise.ph or contact secretariat@arise.ph.