Zambo economy bullish, says city investment officer

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The city’s economy has notably been on the rise, as more investments, malls, trade opportunities and business ventures are continuously moving in.

According to City Investment and Promotions Officer Apple Go recently, the city’s economic climate looks “very promising”.

“We have many applications for new businesses, and these are aside from the new malls that are being constructed here,” Go said.

Recently, the Yubenco local mall chain has opened another establishment in barangay Tetuan, adding to the two already existing in Putik and in Suterville. Three more malls are under construction and nearing completion namely CityMall in Tetuan and Guiwan and the KCC Mall along Governor Camins avenue.

Both CityMalls cover a total of approximately two hectares, while KCC mall covers 3.5 hectares. KCC will be the biggest mall in the city when completed. CityMall is a subsidiary of CityMall Commercial Centers, which is also an affiliate of the SM investments Corporation. KCC, which stands for Koronadal Commercial Center has two other malls located in General Santos City and Koronadal City.

KCC Mall has released the possible tenants on its Facebook page, which include new franchises in the city such as the National Bookstore, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Yellowcab, Krispy Kreme, Folded and Hung, Lacoste, Samsun and others. KCC Mall may be open within the year.

Meanwhile, residents have been clamoring for an SM mall in Zamboanga. In a news article published in the Philippine Star’s website on April 16, SM Prime’s president Hans Sy has hinted about an expansion in Mindanao, which will include Zamboanga City.

“We have property in Zamboanga,” Sy said. He said that as prerequisite for putting up malls, the demand for them must be high. “If the market wants it, then we should really go into it. And I think the market wants it now.”