ARISE Philippines Launches Vision for a Resilient 2030 at First Annual General Meeting of 2025

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ARISE Philippines, a leading resilience network in the country, marked an important milestone with its first Annual General Meeting of 2025, setting ambitious goals for disaster resilience across the nation. The gathering, held on January 27 at the ARISE Secretariat headquarters in MOA Square, Mall of Asia Complex, brought together representatives from the network's 156 member organizations, spanning private sector companies, civil society groups, NGOs, and academic institutions.

Uniting Under a Vision of Resilience

Under the theme "Catalyzing Progress for a Resilient and Sustainable Future towards ARISE 2030," the meeting established a clear path forward for the organization. The mantra of "Innovate, Integrate, and Elevate" resonated throughout the proceedings, challenging members to embrace creative approaches, foster cross-sector collaboration, and raise the standards for disaster resilience nationwide.

Engr. Liza Silerio, Co-Chair representing the private sector, opened the meeting with a warm welcome, expressing gratitude for the network's contributions to community resilience and sustainable development. Her counterpart from the public sector, Office of Civil Defense Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, emphasized the critical importance of engineering solutions in disaster preparedness, highlighting how committed private sector leadership has become essential to building a more resilient Philippines.

International Recognition for Philippine Leadership

The meeting featured a video message from Marco Toscano-Rivalta, Chief of Office at the UNDRR Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, who praised ARISE Philippines for its exemplary contributions to disaster risk reduction efforts.

"I extend my profound gratitude for ARISE Philippines' exemplary leadership and contributions," Toscano-Rivalta stated. He specifically acknowledged the network's instrumental role in the success of the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Manila in October 2024, noting that "ARISE has showcased the power of public-private partnerships and set the benchmark for other regions to follow."

Vice Admiral (VADM) Alexander Pama (ret.), an ARISE Global Board Member, attended the meeting to reinforce connections between the local network and the international alliance, ensuring continued support and alignment with global disaster resilience strategies.

New Resources and Programs for 2025

A significant highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of seven ARISE Philippines Materials and Knowledge products by the organization's Board of Directors. These resources are specifically designed to equip members with practical tools and knowledge to implement effective resilience-building initiatives within their own organizations and communities.

The leadership team also announced seven new programs scheduled to launch throughout 2025, calling for active participation from the membership. During the meeting, representatives from member companies publicly pledged their commitment to these initiatives, demonstrating the strong collaborative spirit that defines the network.

Private Sector Leadership

In his powerful closing remarks, Mr. Hans Sy, ARISE Philippines Chairperson for the Private Sector, delivered an inspiring call to action. He emphasized that meaningful progress in disaster resilience can only be achieved through unity, collaboration, and decisive action across all sectors of society.

Sy urged the assembled members and observers to work together to "co-create bridges for resilience," with the ultimate goal of building a stronger and more resilient Philippines for future generations.

About ARISE Philippines

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE) Philippines operates with SM Prime Holdings serving as its secretariat office. The network is dedicated to advocating for a culture of business resilience against both natural and man-made hazards.

With its growing membership now exceeding 150 organizations, ARISE Philippines continues to expand its impact on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts throughout the country.

For those interested in learning more about ARISE Philippines or joining the network, information is available at www.arise.ph, or inquiries can be directed to secretariat@arise.ph.

As the Philippines continues to face climate-related challenges and natural disasters, the collaboration between public and private sectors represented by ARISE Philippines stands as a crucial foundation for the country's resilience strategy. The ambitious vision set forth at this first meeting of 2025 signals a new chapter in the nation's approach to disaster risk reduction—one built on innovation, integration, and elevated standards for protecting communities and businesses alike.

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