Vol. XXI, No. 232 [ BusinessWorld Online ]
Thursday, June 26, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Construction of a P2-billion Robinsons Mall here has finally gained ground after years of delay.
"This is one of the biggest investments in the tuna capital of the Philippines in recent years. Its construction has just started," Avel O. Manansala, city hall media chief, said on Tuesday.
Located in an 8.5-hectare property acquired by the Gokong-weis years ago along J. Catolico St. in Lagao district, the mall is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2009.
To be called Robinsons General Santos, it will be within walking distance from the two other biggest shopping malls in the city, the KCC Mall and Gaisano Mall.
Land clearing for the project, which is under Robinsons Land Corp., a firm under JG Summit Holdings, Inc., recently started following a series of meetings between company officials and the local government.
The mall operator was about to start building the mall years ago before a series of bombings rocked the city.
The local government unit said Robinsons would enjoy tax incentives since mall operation has been listed as one of the investment priority areas under the city’s new Investment Code.
The entry of Robinsons will augur well for the local economy and shows investor confidence in General Santos, local government officials said.
The modern, two-story mall will house the company’s flagship stores Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Appliances, Handyman Do It Center and at least four Robinsons cinemas, Mr. Manansala said.
There will also be amusement and bingo centers and leasable spaces for retail shops, boutiques and dining establishments, he added.
Construction of the mall is expected to generate jobs for 500 skilled workers.
Once operational, the company will be employing 700 workers.
Once completed, the Robinsons Mall will be its third and reportedly the biggest in Mindanao.
Robinsons has an outlet in Cagayan de Oro City. Construction is likewise ongoing for its Davao City mall.
Mr. Manansala said 80% of the Gokongwei-owned mall’s work force will come from the local manpower pool.
General Santos has been adjudged twice as the most competitive city by the Asian Institute of Management. — Romer S. Sarmiento
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