SM Mall of Asia Complex: A Global Benchmark for Disaster Resilience and Innovation in Infrastructure

The SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, a 67-hectare landmark along Manila Bay, exemplifies SM Prime Holdings’ dedication to leveraging technology and innovation for disaster resilience and community protection across its developments.

Originally envisioned as a pioneering mixed-use project on reclaimed land by the Philippine government, the MOA Complex has become a standard for safety, stability, and innovation. This vision aligns with founder Henry Sy, Sr.’s aspiration to create “a destination that brings joy and opportunities to millions."

Building on his father's legacy, Hans Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman and co-chair of ARISE Philippines under the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), stresses the importance of developing resilient, sustainable spaces that prioritize safety and community well-being. "Safety is the cornerstone of thriving communities," says Mr. Sy, who also serves as the first Filipino elected to the UNDRR ARISE Global Board.

Since its launch in 2015, ARISE Philippines has grown to 157 members, forming the country's leading private sector alliance focused on creating a resilient and prosperous future. Its mission is to reduce disaster-related losses, ensure risk-informed investments, and develop infrastructure that can withstand both natural and man-made threats.

SM Prime’s commitment to resilience is demonstrated in the design of the MOA Complex, which integrates advanced disaster-resistant features tailored to its coastal location. In the project's early stages, SM Prime collaborated with Jan de Nul, a Belgian coastal development company, to conduct comprehensive studies ensuring the project’s long-term viability. These studies incorporated detailed risk reviews, analyzing and planning for land and sea challenges.

A major concern addressed during construction was soil erosion. To combat this, SM Prime implemented wick drains—advanced technology that prevents soil erosion and improves land stability, particularly during seismic events like liquefaction. Driven and bored piles provide robust resistance to liquefaction, ensuring the complex’s foundation remains stable in the face of earthquakes.

Additionally, the MOA Complex features a fortified seawall, standing 4.5 meters higher than the Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) mark, with a wave return feature that deflects storm surges back into the sea. A network of extensive drainage channels further enhances the complex's flood prevention capabilities, which were crucial during Typhoon Pedring (international name Nesat) in 2011 and other severe weather events.

Beyond these features, the complex incorporates elevated roads and structures that exceed National Building Code standards, mitigating flood risks. Earthquake Recording Instruments (ERI) monitor seismic activity, supporting disaster preparedness. The building's structural integrity, including the roof deck designed for emergency refuge, and the reinforced exterior façade, ensures it remains resilient in high winds up to 270 kph.

SM Prime’s proactive approach to disaster resilience is embedded in all aspects of its operations, allocating a significant portion of its capital expenditure to research and development for safety enhancements. This forward-thinking approach solidifies the company’s role as a responsible property developer, dedicated not only to the country’s economic progress but also to safeguarding the lives and well-being of its communities.

The MOA Complex stands as a symbol of SM Prime’s unwavering commitment to resilience—transforming it into a beacon of safety, innovation, and community protection amidst the challenges posed by nature.