SM Prime Holdings, Inc. has recently inked a partnership agreement with the Manila Observatory for the “High Definition Clean Energy, Climate, and Weather Forecasts for the Philippines” Project, a data-driven system that utilizes automated weather stations (AWS) and high-performance computer modeling to provide clean energy and weather forecasts up to five days in advance.
The five-year partnership was officiated through a simple Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony that took place last Sept. 23, 2021 via Zoom. Key representatives from various organizations that share SM Prime's disaster risk resilience (DRR) advocacy also attended the event.
The multi-stakeholder initiative is part of SM Prime's long-running advocacy to promote disaster preparedness and resilience in the country through strategic partnerships and science-based information.
Through the initiative, the Manila Observatory will produce daily weather forecasts and hourly forecasts for clean and renewable energy such as wind and solar energy, up to five days in advance. The 49 AWS instruments installed in the SM malls nationwide provide real-time pictures of the atmosphere that enable the Observatory to refine its micro-forecasts for renewable energy and weather. Moreover, long-term predictions of climate change in the Philippines from the 2030s to the 2090s will be continually made to help prepare communities, especially those who are more vulnerable to its adverse impacts.
In addition, the Manila Observatory will produce risk maps and reports for specific geographic domains depending on the weather or climate-related hazard, as well as training materials for operation and maintenance of AWS, and annual reports, among other support materials.
“We need to respond to the climate emergency and we want to do this by contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and disaster risk reduction, according to our strength as a scientific institution,” said Manila Observatory Executive Director Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin SJ.
“On behalf of the Observatory and the mission of the Jesuits, we are truly grateful to SM,” said Villarin to SM Prime during his speech at the event. “Because you were there at the very start, it was not difficult for other partners to join in,” he added.
“Manila Observatory’s daily forecasting services of weather and clean energy potential up to five days in advance, risk maps and its accompanying reports will definitely help SM in preparing for disasters, monitoring, and risk management, thus protecting our valued stakeholders and the communities we serve where SM businesses are located,” said SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim. “SM is fortunate to be a partner in this worthy undertaking and we look forward to a more sustainable and disaster-resilient society.”
SM Prime, one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people.
Sustainability and Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience form part of SM Prime’s core business strategies. It ensures that its risk-informed investments catalyze sustainable development and positive change in the communities where it operates.