Vol. XXII, No. 60-A [ BusinessWorld Online ]
Saturday, October 18, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Gokongwei-owned Robinsons Place-General Santos is now accepting lease applications as the two-storey mall is taking shape with construction work going full blast for its expected opening in the first half of 2009.
At a reported cost of P2 billion, it will house the company’s flagship stores like the Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Appliance, Robinsons Movie World, Handyman Do It Best, boutiques, food court, restaurants, amusement center, bookstore and drugstore, an advertising streamer posted at the construction site said.
Development of the property started about five months ago through Robinsons Land Corp., a firm within JG Summit Holdings, Inc. of the Gokongwei family. "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, confirmed on Tuesday.
Located in an 8.5-hectare property acquired by the Gokongweis many years ago along J. Catolico St. in Lagao district, the mall has finally been constructed after several years of delay apparently due to the security threats such as bomb attacks in this city.
"It will be remembered that years ago, before a series of bombings rocked the city, they were set on starting this project by applying for a building permit. Unfortunately, due to the barbaric incidents, they held off," Avel O. Manansala, city hall media liaison officer, recalled.
Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr., said that Robinsons will enjoy tax incentives since mall operations has been listed as one of the "investment priority areas" under the city’s new investment code. The entry of Robinsons in the city will augur well for the local economy and this is also a manifestation of investors’ confidence in the local government and residents of the city, the mayor added.
Once in commercial operation, Robinsons will bring to three the large malls in this city, the other two being in operations for years are Gaisano Mall and KCC Mall. Robinsons, which is expected to employ 700 personnel once functional, is just a walking distance to the two existing malls. The city, in recent years, has been adjudged twice as the "Most Competitive City" by the Asian Institute of Management. — Romer S. Sarmiento
