Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo G. Marañon, Jr. (Photo from Negros Occidental’s official website)
BACOLOD CITY—The Ayala Malls Capitol Central located behind the provincial Capitol in Bacolod City, which officially opened to the public on Thursday, will be a catalyst for progress and change in Negros Occidental, Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., said today.
Marañon and Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, along with AyalaLand Inc. Senior Vice President Jose Emmanuel “Junie” Jalandoni and Makati Development Corp. president Rodelito “Dodo” Ocampo merged two halves of the “Heart of Bacolod” at the opening rites to officially declare the P5.2-billion mall open.
The Capitol Central is expected to trigger more investments in Negros Occidental, the governor said.
“I’m sure many, many investors from Manila will come…I think this is the only way to decongest Metro Manila, Imperial Manila, and develop the countryside,” the governor said as he thanked Ayala “for the vision.”
“Rest assured we probinsyanos will support your program…,” the governor told the Ayala executives, whom he thanked for their trust and confidence in Negros Occidental.
A lot of prospective investors have shown interest in investing in Negros Occidental, that has so much potential, the governor said, citing its food and abundant natural resources.
“But the most important asset of the province is our youth, our people who are easily trainable,” the governor added.
Mayor Leonardia said Ayala made the right decision in choosing to invest in Bacolod that is one of the 10 most competitive cities in the country.
“I assure you that you will have a business climate that will be conducive for you to grow,” the mayor said.
“If you’re here, Bacolod now belongs to the big league,” Leonardia added.
Jalandoni said Capitol Central, which will employ more than 6,000 when fully operational, shows Ayala’s continuing commitment to Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.
“We are celebrating the lasting and deep partnership between Ayala and the people of Bacolod and Negros,” he added.
Jalandoni said Ayala’s relationship with Negros started in 1985 with the first Negros Trade Fair in Makati.
The firm that built Forbes Park and Ayala Alabang, also built its first high-end subdivision outside Metro Manila in Negros Occidental, he said, citing Ayala North Point in Talisay City.
“It shows our commitment to this market,” he said.
In 2015 Ayala also constructed the Amaia residential condominiums in Bacolod, which units are almost sold out, he added.
Jalandoni also pointed out that Ayala’s Seda Capitol Central hotel is performing very well that shows that Bacolod has a strong market, he wishes they had more space to build more rooms because opportunity is really there.
In October this year Ayala also opened its seven-floor office building next to Seda at North Capitol Road in Bacolod that is now fully occupied by a BPO company that is expected to employ about 2,000 workers by next year.
Jalandoni told the INQUIRER that Ayala continues to explore opportunities in Negros Occidental and Bacolod as they arise.
Meanwhile, Jalandoni said the Capitol Central at the heart of Bacolod offers the best of authentic Negrense flavors and global brands under one roof.
Capitol Central is the second biggest Ayala mall in the Visayas and Mindanao, next to Cebu, said Clavel Tongco, Ayala Malls Area Head for VisMin Operations.
One hundred stores and 160 specialty merchants began operations at the mall yesterday, Sharon Ciocon, Capitol Central general manager, said.
She said 60 to 70 more stores will also open at the mall in the first quarter of 2019.
The second, third and fourth floors of the mall also have available space for BPO locators, Tongco said.
She said they have received a lot of inquiry from interested locators.
A month-long series of holiday events are also kick-starting the mall opening, Ciocon said.
Among the activities are the launching of the Festival of Lights tonight, shows featuring James Reid on Sunday and Gary Valenciano on December 22, the Dance Pull Ballet Concert – December 18, Laruang Pinoy Activation – December 29, and Sunday FAM Day Year-ender – December 30.
The mall will also host the Department of Tourism’s “Kain Ta” on December 19 to 21. /jpv