Economy | Where Growth Meets Lifestyle: Gaisano Grand Mall Powers Up Carmen Davnor's Economy

Mall Spotlight: The Upcoming Gaisano Grand Mall Carmen in Carmen, Davao del Norte

A new growth node is emerging in northern Mindanao with the imminent opening of Gaisano Grand Mall in the municipality of Carmen, Davao del Norte. The project signals confidence in the local economy and underscores Carmen’s expanding role as a commercial and logistics hub.

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Strategic Location & Market Potential

Carmen sits at a crossroads of agriculture, aquaculture and regional trade in Davao del Norte. According to local profiles, the municipality is a major producer of rice, corn, banana and coconut, and supports vibrant fisheries and aquaculture operations. Discover Davao Infrastructure upgrades are underway: for example, improvement of the Saturnino R. Silva Road in Carmen is nearing completion, enhancing connectivity for commerce and travel in the area. DPWH

Adding to that, there is growing investor attention: in late 2023, Chinese business groups explored opportunities in Carmen and surrounding municipalities in Davao del Norte, signalling readiness for industrial, real-estate and agricultural investment. Philippine News Agency+1

For a major mall operator like the Gaisano group, locating in Carmen means tapping into a market that is both increasing in purchasing power and underserved in modern retail infrastructure. The region’s growing population, improved transport linkages, and retail demand from both locals and commuters make it a compelling expansion site.

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What the Mall Brings – and What It Means

The arrival of Gaisano Grand Mall in Carmen is more than a retail addition — it’s a symbol of urbanising momentum. For consumers, it provides a one-stop lifestyle and shopping destination, reducing the need to travel to larger cities. For smaller businesses and suppliers, it opens a steady channel for trade and services.

For the municipality and province, the mall can serve as an anchor for further commercial development. It can attract food & beverage outlets, entertainment tenants, logistics support services, and even satellite offices or co-working spaces. In economic development terms, it helps shift local activity from purely agricultural to mixed-use commerce, thus broadening the economic base.

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Business Implications

• Local employment: Mall operations (retail, security, maintenance, F&B) generate direct jobs, while ancillary services (cleaning, supply chain, transport) create indirect opportunities.

• Supplier sourcing: The region’s strong agricultural output (bananas, coconut, aquaculture) provides raw‐material sourcing opportunities for F&B, retail chains and outlets inside the mall.

• Consumer retention: Instead of spending in the regional capital or travelling out, residents of Carmen and nearby towns may now choose to shop and dine locally — meaning greater local economic circulation.

• Urban pull: Improved amenities raise the quality of life, making Carmen more appealing for residential development, thereby increasing foot traffic and retail demand.

• Investor signal: The establishment of a major brand’s mall signals confidence in the locality, encouraging further investment in logistics, housing, services and even light manufacturing.

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The Outlook

As the mall opens its doors, stakeholders — from the local government to entrepreneurs and residents — stand to benefit. The challenge will lie in sustaining foot traffic and integrating the retail ecosystem with the wider economy of Carmen and Davao del Norte. Effective integration means: attracting anchor tenants, ensuring access via roads and transport, and aligning with local supplier networks and services.

In short: the upcoming Gaisano Grand Mall in Carmen is more than a retail destination — it’s a milestone in the region’s economic transition, marking Carmen’s shift from agrarian-based municipality to emerging commercial centre.

Economy | The Wait Is Over: GMall of Cebu Makes a Grand Entrance

SDCP_Economy | CEBU CITY | July 30, 2025

G.Mall of Cebu: A Bold New Chapter in Cebu’s Retail Landscape

Cebu’s ever-growing urban landscape welcomed a game-changing addition in late 2022: the GMall of Cebu, the first-ever GMall to open in the Visayas region. Developed by DSG Sons Group, Inc., the same powerhouse behind the successful Gaisano Malls in Mindanao, GMall of Cebu marks a bold and exciting leap for both the company and the city.

🏢 From White Gold to G.Mall: A Transformation Rooted in Legacy

Situated along A. Soriano Avenue in the heart of the North Reclamation Area, GMall now stands on the historic site of the former White Gold Club, a beloved local department store with roots dating back to the 1930s. After White Gold’s closure in 2018, the area underwent a ₱1-billion redevelopment that culminated in GMall’s soft opening on December 1, 2022.

What began as a modest launch, featuring the GStore department store and GMarket supermarket, has since blossomed into one of Cebu’s most promising lifestyle centers.

🛍️ A Modern Shopping Destination

G.Mall of Cebu has redefined the retail experience in the metro. Designed with wide-open spaces, bright interiors, and modern amenities, the mall is more than just a place to shop, it's a space to unwind, dine, and discover.

Among its highlights:

• GStore: Two levels of fashion, tech, home goods, and essentials.

• GMarket: A full-sized supermarket offering both local and imported goods.

• G-Eats: A developing food court filled with quick bites and Cebuano favorites.

• Specialty Tenants: Growing numbers of electronics, gadgets, and service stores, including PC Chain, are drawing in tech-savvy shoppers.

As tenancy continues to expand, GMall’s interior layout ensures a smooth shopping experience with wide walkways, intuitive signage, and accessible parking—perfect for families, professionals, and daily commuters.

🌆 Strategic Location & Urban Impact

GMall Cebu’s location in the North Reclamation Area (NRA) is no coincidence. This area has emerged as one of Cebu’s fastest-growing commercial and residential corridors, surrounded by high-impact developments such as SM City Cebu, Robinsons Galleria, Mandani Bay, and the upcoming Infinite City.

G.Mall adds value to this momentum, not only by providing more shopping options but by creating hundreds of new jobs, supporting local suppliers, and elevating the city’s profile as a modern regional hub.

💡 More Than Just Retail

What sets G.Mall apart is its balance between tradition and progress. It continues the Gaisano family’s retail legacy, rooted in Cebu.. -- While embracing contemporary tastes and the demands of a new generation of shoppers.

Its welcoming atmosphere, strategic footprint, and growing tenant mix make G.Mall a promising anchor in Cebu’s evolving consumer landscape.

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✨ Experience It Yourself

Whether you're here for a quick grocery run, weekend shopping, or a casual meet-up over coffee, G.Mall Cebu offers a fresh, comfortable, and inspiring place to be. It's not just a mall--it's a sign of Cebu’s continued rise.

📍 Visit G.Mall Cebu today at A. Soriano Avenue, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City.
🗞️ Stay tuned for more updates as the mall continues to grow and thrive.

📸 Photo credits: SkyscraperCity Cebu
🔗 Read more on our official blog

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#GMallCebu #CebuCity #CebuLifestyle #SDCP_Economy #ShopLocal #DSGSonsGroup #SouthernDCPost

|📸 Source: SkyscraperCity Cebu Updates

Economy | Jollibee Expands Presence with New Branch in New Lower Bicutan, Taguig City

Taguig City, NCR, Philippines 

This morning marked the official opening of Jollibee's latest branch in New Lower Bicutan, Taguig City, National Capital Region, signaling the brand’s continued expansion across the country. As one of the Philippines' most beloved fast-food chains, Jollibee’s growth is an important indicator of the company’s strength in the competitive food and beverage industry.

The new branch not only serves as a testament to Jollibee's enduring popularity but also underscores its role in supporting local economies. By opening in a bustling area like New Lower Bicutan, Jollibee is tapping into a growing community, offering both convenience and employment opportunities to residents in the area.

This expansion comes at a time when businesses in the food sector are gradually recovering from the impact of the pandemic, with many focusing on enhancing accessibility to cater to an increasingly on-the-go consumer base. The opening of this new location is part of Jollibee's broader strategy to meet the demand for quality, fast, and affordable meals in strategic locations nationwide.

As Jollibee continues to grow, its influence on the economy—particularly in creating jobs and driving consumer spending—remains undeniable. The latest branch in New Lower Bicutan is a prime example of how businesses are adapting and thriving in today’s fast-evolving market.

Concrete paving of 79.39 km. road project in Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur

The government  fast track the concrete paving of Sindangan - Bayog - Lakewood Road that connect the Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur. This 79.34-kilometer road project if completed, will reduced the travel time from the "usual 6-hour travel time to 4 hours", DPWH Sec. Mark Villar said.

📸 DPWH

Provoncial Capitol of Zamboanga del Norte | ctto

About Zamboanga del Norte

It is a province in the Philippines situated within the Zamboanga Peninsula region in Mindanao. Its capital is Dipolog and the province borders Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay to the south, Misamis Occidental to the east, and the Sulu Sea to the west.

Zamboanga del Norte is the largest province of the Zamboanga Peninsula region by land area covering 7,301.00 square kilometres (2,818.93 sq mi). Zamboanga del Norte is the 26th populous province in the Philippines.

Map of the Zamboanga Peninsula or Region 1X

Provincial Capitol of Zamboanga del Sur | ctto

About Zamboanga del Sur

It is a province in the Philippines located in the Zamboanga Peninsula region in Mindanao. Its capital is the city of Pagadian. Statistically grouped with Zamboanga del Sur is the highly urbanized city of Zamboanga, which is geographically separated and a chartered city and governed independently from the province.

The province borders Zamboanga del Norte to the north, Zamboanga Sibugay to the west, Misamis Occidental to the northeast, and Lanao del Norte to the east. To the south is the Moro Gulf.

NLEX Harbor Link Project - Metro Manila

 

NLEX Harbor Link Project (Segments 8.1, 8.2, 9 & 10)

Project Description: 
The project involves the 21.60-km extension of the NLEX eastward from Valenzuela City to Mel Lopez Boulevard/R10, (NLEX Harbor Link Project comprising of Segments 9, 10 and Exit Ramp to R10) and westward from Valenzuela City to Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, (Circumferential Road 5, C-5, comprising of Segments 8.1 and 8.2). 

ONGOING SEGMENT:
A) SEGMENT 8.2 – is a proposed 8.30 kms 4-lane divided (2x2) expressway from Segment 8.1 at Mindanao Avenue, traversing westward to Republic Avenue and turning right to Luzon Avenue up to Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.
      Section 1A: Mindanao Avenue to Quirino Highway, 2.0 kms.
     Section 1B: Quirino Highway to Regalado Avenue, 3.80 kms.
     Section 1C: Regalado Avenue to Congressional Avenue, 2.50 kms

COMPLETED SEGMENTS:
B) SEGMENT 10, EXIT RAMP to R-10 - is a 2.60 km. 4-lane (initial) elevated ramp extending the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 exit to Radial Road 10 (R-10), using C-3 Road as its route.

C) SEGMENT 10 - is a 5.58-km. 6-lane divided (2x3) elevated expressway connecting McArthur Highway and C-3. It will utilize the existing PNR railroad tracks that cut across Valenzuela City and Malabon City.

D) SEGMENT 9 - is a 2.42-km. 4-lane (2x2) that connects NLEX Mindanao Avenue Link (Segment 8.1) at the SMART Connect Interchange to McArthur Highway in Valenzuela City.
E) SEGMENT 8.1 - a 2.7-km expressway connecting the NLEX, at its Valenzuela City junction, to Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City. A major component is the Cloverleaf SMART Connect Interchange crossing the main expressway. It provided motorists with alternative entry and exit ramps to the NLEX.

Read more of this project here DPWH - NLEX_harbor_link project 

Quezon City (QC) to Port Area in Manila is now travelled in just 20 minutes (commute)  read here NLEX Corp by Metro Pacific 

Photo courtesy: NLEX Corp

1ST MINDA FRUIT FESTIVAL in Baguio City

All set for Baguio Fruit Fest!

Davao City, Davao
 - A truck loaded with 5 metric tons of Durian took off yesterday from Kidapawan City for the 3-day trip to the North while another 15-tons of tropical fruits from the different parts of Mindanao will be flown from Davao City to Clark Airport Aug. 23 for the first-ever Fruit Festival initiated by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

MinDA has partnered with the City Government of Baguio under its new Mayor, retired Police General Benjamin Magalong for the staging of the fruit festival aimed at helping Mindanao fruit farmers get a better income for their produce while giving Northern Luzon consumers the opportunity to buy their favorite tropical fruits at lower prices.

Following the arrangement which I suggested, the fruits from Mindanao will be consolidated by the farmers themselves while Baguio City fruit vendors organized by Mayor Magalong will handle the sales.

The strategy is intended to establish a direct link between the fruit farmers of Mindanao and the fruit vendors of Baguio City to keep fruit prices down.

It is now the fruit season in Mindanao and farmers have been flooding the market with Durian, Lanzones, Marang, Mangosteen, Rambutan and Pomelo bringing prices down.

To allow farmers to earn more, MinDA has initiated the marketing program for Mindanao fruits.

MinDA will also embark on an aggressive promotions and marketing campaign for Mindanao products in the BIMP-EAGA and other countries.

(MinDA Fruit Festival in Baguio promotional ad designed by MinDA staff.)

Source: Manny Piñol

SDCP Economy | President Duterte Inaugurates the CityGate Mall in Davao City

CityGate Mall by G.Grand Malls | Photo by Ree Amante

President Duterte Inaugurates Citygate Mall Davao: A Landmark Investment in Mindanao’s Economic Landscape

Davao City, Philippines — In a significant boost to Mindanao’s retail and economic development, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the official inauguration of the Citygate Mall Davao by Gaisano Grand Malls, located in the thriving Buhangin District of Davao City.

Now the 38th establishment in Gaisano Grand Malls’ growing portfolio, CityGate Mall Davao symbolizes more than just commercial expansion, it reflects confidence in Davao City’s robust economy and the sustained growth trajectory of the region. With a PhP1.8 billion investment under its name, the mall is a central feature of a broader mixed-use development spanning eight hectares, which will soon include residential and communal facilities designed to serve a growing urban population.

During the inaugural ceremony, President Duterte toured several areas of the mall, including the supermarket, department store, and a variety of food outlets. He personally engaged with staff and vendors, offering words of appreciation and encouragement.

In his keynote message, the President conveyed his deep gratitude to the Gaisano family for their continuing commitment to development in the region. “This investment is not just a testament to the growing confidence in Davao’s economy, but also a lifeline for thousands of residents who will find employment and opportunity through this development,” he stated.

Catalyst for Regional Growth

Citygate Mall Davao stands as a modern retail destination that brings affordable and quality products to local consumers while creating job opportunities and fostering small business growth. Its strategic location in the Buhangin District is expected to generate increased foot traffic and economic activity, further positioning Davao as a leading urban center in Southern Philippines.

This initiative also supports Davao City's long-term urban development plans and reinforces its role as a central hub for commerce, tourism, and innovation in Mindanao. With an expansive mix of retail, dining, and leisure spaces, Citygate Mall Davao serves not only as a shopping center, but as a community destination and lifestyle hub for residents and visitors alike.

A Strong Signal to Investors

The mall’s opening sends a strong signal to both local and international investors: Mindanao is open for business. With its growing infrastructure, pro-business policies, and vibrant communities, Davao City continues to attract major developments that help stimulate regional growth, inclusivity, and innovation.

As the government pursues its goal of balanced national development, investments like Citygate Mall play a pivotal role in bringing prosperity closer to the people. It underscores the importance of private-public synergy in building resilient communities and thriving economies across the archipelago.

With CityGate Mall now open to the public, Davao City further cements its reputation as one of the most dynamic and investment-friendly destinations in the Philippines.