1 month ago
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Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI), the supermarket and department store chain of Cebu’s Gaisano family, is optimistic about its growth opportunities in the Visayas.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the firm said it is aggressively expanding its retail network through strategic partnerships with local and provincial governments.
With new developments in Leyte-Samar and Negros Occidental, the company said it continues to expand access to modern retail spaces while fostering economic and community development.
“We are excited to bring modern retail services to communities that have long been underserved. As the economies of regions like Negros Occidental and Eastern Samar continue to grow—bolstered by impressive GDP expansions and strong performance in key sectors like retail, construction, and tourism—MRSGI is capitalizing on these opportunities,” said MRSGI President and COO Manuel Alberto.
He added that, “Through our strategic partnerships with local and provincial governments, we are not just expanding our retail footprint; we are creating hubs of opportunity that provide jobs, services, and economic growth to the region.”
MRSGI’s Catbalogan development in Samar, undertaken through a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with the provincial government, includes several key components aimed at boosting retail access, community development, and regional infrastructure.
The initial phase of the project includes a two-story retail building that features a supermarket and a compact department store. The subsequent phase will expand the facility into a two- to three-storey mall to meet the growing demand for diverse retail offerings.
The development also includes a convention center, a government center, and a transport terminal, all of which have already been completed and handed over to the local government.
A key aspect of the project is the plan to develop a hotel that aims to become a flagship destination for tourists. It will offer various amenities and services for both visitors and residents, fostering a vibrant atmosphere that promotes tourism and economic growth in the region.
In Negros Occidental, MRSGI has partnered with the local government of Hinigaran in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to build a new retail complex. Located on a former public market, the 6,000-square-meter facility is designed to address the retail needs of a population nearing 100,000.
The three-level facility will feature a ground floor dedicated to home improvement, a second floor with a supermarket and lifestyle section, and a third floor with retail spaces for local businesses.
This development aims to provide the community with a one-stop shopping experience, reducing the need for residents to travel to Bacolod for essential goods.
The Hinigaran project also emphasizes convenience, with plans to integrate the facility with the nearby Ceres Bus Terminal for improved customer access.
As the first development of its kind in Hinigaran, it is expected to drive further growth in both the commercial and residential sectors.
The Samar and Hinigaran projects are part of MRSGI’s ongoing expansion efforts in the Visayas, aligning with the strong economic growth in these regions.
With multiple stores already operational in Leyte, Samar, and Negros Occidental, MRSGI said it is well-positioned to capitalize on the region’s growth with additional developments already in progress.
“As we continue to expand our presence across the Visayas and beyond, we remain focused on making a positive impact in the communities we serve,” said MRSGI Chairperson Sherisa P. Nuesa.
She noted that, “Our vision is to create retail spaces that meet the evolving needs of local residents while driving economic growth, fostering community engagement, and advancing sustainability initiatives.
“This expansion is a key milestone in our long-term commitment to regional development, and we look forward to the continued success and impact of our projects in the region.”
