ARISE Philippines holds first Annual General Meeting, setting the stage for a Resilient 2030

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Private Sector Alliance for Disaster 
Resilient Societies (ARISE) Philippines, a leading resilience network in the country, 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 growing membership of 156 private sector companies, civil society groups, 
non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions, ARISE Philippines is poised to 
significantly impact disaster resilience efforts nationwide.

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. 

The Co-Chair representing the private sector, Engr. Liza Silerio, welcomed the collective and expressed her 
gratitude for the network’s role in promoting community resilience and sustainable progress. For the public 
sector, Office of Civil Defense Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of engineering 
solutions in disaster preparedness and highlighted the critical role of committed private sector leaders in 
building a more resilient nation. 

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.”

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.
In his closing remarks, ARISE Philippines Chairperson for the Private Sector Mr. Hans Sy rallied the 
assembled members and observers, emphasizing the importance of unity, collaboration, and action. He urged 
everyone to work together to “co-create bridges for resilience,” promoting a stronger and more resilient 
Philippines for the next generations. 

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.