SM Supermalls Makes the Incident Command System a Reality—One Workshop at a Time
SM Supermalls Makes the Incident Command System a Reality—One Workshop at a Time
By HappyRichTV
Published: July 4, 2025
In a country like the Philippines where “lindol na naman?!” and “baha na sa kanto!” are far too common phrases, being ready isn’t just nice—it’s necessary. We’re no strangers to typhoons, earthquakes, and sudden emergencies, and that’s why resilience has to be part of our everyday lifestyle, not just a buzzword.
Thankfully, some major players are stepping up. And SM Supermalls? They’re not just stepping up—they’re leading the charge.
The Incident Command System is showcased in an emergency simulation at SM City Clark during the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction.
When Preparedness Becomes a Lifestyle
Let’s face it. Disasters don’t send invites. They just show up. That’s why SM Supermalls is going all in on strengthening disaster preparedness not just within their malls but in the communities surrounding them.
And at the heart of this effort? The Incident Command System or ICS—a globally recognized disaster response framework that creates structure, clarity, and coordination during chaos.
Sounds intense? It is—but in the best way possible.
What Is ICS and Why Should You Care?
The ICS is like the ultimate team playbook for emergencies. Originating in the U.S., it lays out a clear hierarchy of command and roles so that during a disaster, everyone knows exactly what to do—whether you're from a government agency, a mall security team, or a private company.
This kind of structure eliminates confusion and saves precious time. And in disaster response, minutes matter.
Training That Makes a Difference
SM Supermalls isn’t just talking about ICS—they’re teaching it.
Through hands-on ICS workshops, mall staff, tenants, and even neighboring businesses are trained on how to manage emergencies the right way. These aren’t your usual seminars. They’re real, practical simulations that help people respond under pressure, with calm and confidence.
The result? Teams that can act fast, communicate clearly, and follow a tested protocol that protects lives and property.
Public and private sector teams implement the Incident Command System
From Mall Drills to National Readiness
SM has made emergency drills a regular thing—from fire and earthquake simulations led by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), to full support for the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drills with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and NDRRMC.
This isn't just an internal checklist—it’s a full-on culture shift. Employees and tenants participate together, turning preparedness into second nature.
And to top that off? 79 SM Supermalls are now certified under the Business Continuity Management Systems—proof that they’re not just compliant, but committed.
The Clark Simulation That Turned Heads
One shining moment? The 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Manila.
On its final day, SM City Clark became the epicenter of an impressive live ICS demonstration attended by delegates from the United Nations, local and national government units, and foreign guests.
It was more than just a show—it was a proof of concept. Mall staff, local responders, the BFP, and municipal authorities all came together in perfect sync, showcasing what real, coordinated emergency response looks like.
Teamwork Makes the Preparedness Dream Work
Before the big day at Clark, SM joined forces with ARISE Philippines (Private Sector Alliance for Resilient Societies) and the OCD to conduct an ICS workshop that brought together leaders from operations, HR, security, and IT—not just from the mall but also nearby locators like Park Inn Hotel.
The training, led by seasoned experts from the BFP and Philippine Army, was packed with real scenarios and role-based tasks—showing everyone that preparedness is everyone’s business.
What’s Next? Going Nationwide
Inspired by the success at Clark, SM Supermalls is now expanding the ICS rollout to more locations—starting with SM Mall of Asia and then fanning out to regional malls across the country.
This isn’t a one-time PR stunt. It’s a long-term investment in safety, order, and readiness.
A Vision That Protects People, Not Just Property
“By investing in frameworks like the ICS, SM Supermalls demonstrates that resilience is not a reactive measure but an ongoing commitment,” shared Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President.
This mindset goes beyond protecting buildings—it’s about protecting lives. When people feel safe, when they know there's a plan, everything changes—from employee morale to customer trust to community loyalty.
Why This Matters for All of Us
At the end of the day, disaster doesn’t care about zip codes. It hits where it hits. And the more companies that invest in real preparedness—not just band-aid solutions—the more lives are spared, and the faster we recover.
SM Supermalls is showing that even in the private sector, you don’t have to wait for the government to take the lead. You can build systems, train people, and be part of a national movement of resilience.
And honestly? That’s the kind of business we want more of.
So here’s to a disaster-ready Philippines—one mall, one team, one workshop at a time.
The future is uncertain, but with people and companies that care enough to prepare, we’ll be ready for anything.
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