In observance of National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) 2026, ARISE Philippines and SM Prime, in collaboration with the Office of Civil Defense, convened the Forum on El Niño & Habagat: Preparedness for Climate Extremes on 30 July 2026 at Hall 3, Megatrade Hall, 5th Floor, Building B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.
The forum came at a critical time as the Philippines continued to face the prospect of intensified climate extremes, including the possible overlap of the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, with a strong El Niño event. The gathering sought to strengthen preparedness, improve risk communication, and support coordinated action among government agencies, the private sector, and communities.
“The growing climate risk landscape requires more than awareness; it demands coordinated action, shared responsibility, and clear public guidance. This forum is designed to help stakeholders translate climate information into practical measures that protect lives, livelihoods, and business continuity,” said ARISE Philippines and SM Prime, represented by Engr. Liza B. Silerio, in a joint call for stronger preparedness.
In his welcome remarks, Vice Admiral Alexander P. Pama (Ret.), Member of the ARISE Global Board and Consultant of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., emphasized the importance of collective action amid climate uncertainty: “No single sector can build resilience alone. It takes collaboration, shared information, shared responsibility, and shared commitment. And as we continue towards the goals, we are achieving the Sendai Framework targets, let’s remember that every investment in science, preparedness, resilience, and actual preparations is an investment for our future.”
The forum featured discussions on the science of El Niño and Habagat, the climate outlook for 2026, drought and water scarcity, and government preparedness and response protocols. Resource persons included Dr. Rosa T. Perez, Resilience Fellow of the National Resilience Council; Ms. Anna Liza Solis of DOST-PAGASA; Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin of the Manila Observatory; and Assistant Secretary Cesar M. Idio of the Office of Civil Defense. The program also included a plenary question-and-answer session moderated by Emérito Junie B. Castillo of the Office of Civil Defense.
A total of 231 participants attended in person, while more than 3,000 joined via
teleconferencing and Facebook Live. Participants came from government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, the private sector, ARISE Philippines members, and the academe.
The forum underscored the important role of the private sector in disaster risk reduction, particularly in expanding outreach, mobilizing resources, and using public spaces to help disseminate preparedness information. The initiative also aimed to support business continuity and community resilience amid climate-related disruptions.
The event formed part of broader efforts to advance climate adaptation, strengthen disaster risk communication, and contribute to the objectives of National Disaster Resilience Month 2026.
About ARISE Philippines
ARISE Philippines is the national chapter of the ARISE Global network, a UNDRR-partnered private sector alliance advancing business resilience and disaster risk reduction. For more, visit the newly launched arise.ph.
