shopping malls – Author Carlo Carrasco

Rockwell Land Acquires Majority Stake in Alabang Town Center For P21.6 Billion, Redevelopment To Follow

December 24, 2025December 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Wow, business developments happened really fast! Not so long after Ayala Land sold its 50% stake of Alabang Town Center (ATC) operator Alabang Commercial Center Corp. (ACCC) to the Madrigal family, Rockwell Land came in to acquire a majority stake in deal worth P21.6 billion and indeed there will be a redevelopment of the famous mall, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

For the newcomers reading this, the ACCC is the private entity that owns and operates ATC. Rockwell Land is the corporation known for the Power Plant Mall and Rockwell Center in Makati City. The Philippine Star news report mentions the ATC operator in the new acquisition.

*The front of Alabang Town Center along Madrigal Avenue.*

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the business news report of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

Lopez Family-led real estate developer Rockwell Land Corp. has acquired a 74.8% stake in the 17.5-hectare Alabang Town Center for P21.6 billion, expanding its commercial operations in the south.

“Earlier this year, Mr. Francisco ‘Jun’ M. Bayot invited us to consider redeveloping Alabang Town Center. It presented a compelling opportunity for Rockwell Land to further expand our presence in the south of Metro Manila, particularly given the scale and long-term potential of the property,” said Rockwell Land Chief Executive Officer Nestor J. Padilla in a statement on Monday.

“We are very grateful to Mr. Bayot and the Madrigal family for this opportunity. Our immediate focus is on ensuring a smooth transition and planning its redevelopment,” he added.

Alabang Town Center currently hosts more than 500 retail and office tenants, and its size offers significant redevelopment opportunities, the company said. Rockwell Land is known for its flagship mixed-use development, Rockwell Center Makati, anchored by the Power Plant Mall.

“Over the years, the company has enhanced its retail developments by integrating experiential and lifestyle-oriented spaces into its master planning, supported by curated tenant mixes. These efforts have enabled Rockwell Land to establish a strong track record in delivering a high-end retail experience,” it said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you have any concerns about what would happen to Alabang Town Center under Rockwell’s control? Do you think the planned redevelopment of ATC will eventually make it better in the near future? What improvements do you hope to see at the ATC under Rockwell’s control?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Ayala Land To Sell Alabang Town Center (ATC) Stake To Madrigal Family For P13.5 Billion

December 20, 2025December 18, 2025carlocarrasco

A new age for the famous Alabang Town Center (ATC) in Muntinlupa City will soon begin as the developer Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) will sell its 50% stake in Alabang Commercial Center Corp. (ACCC) to the Madrigal family in a deal with P13.5 billion, according to a Manila Bulletin business news report.

For the newcomers reading this, the ACCC is the private entity that owns and operates ATC. Already, it has been reported that the Madrigal family is talking with Rockwell Land Corp. about redeveloping the high-end Alabang mall.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the business news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) has agreed to sell its 50 percent stake in Alabang Commercial Center Corp. (ACCC), the entity that owns and operates the prominent Alabang Town Center mall in Muntinlupa City, back to the Madrigal family for ₱13.5 billion.

The real estate giant announced in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange that it executed a share purchase agreement with its existing joint-venture partner. The transaction is contingent on standard closing conditions.

“The unsolicited offer from our joint venture partner provided a premium, allowing ALI to recognize gains from the sale and monetize its stake in Alabang Town Center,” said ALI Chief Finance Officer and Treasurer Jose Eduardo A. Quimpo II.

He added that the “Proceeds from the sale will fuel further growth in our Leasing portfolio and provide our stakeholders with return of capital.”

In a separate statement, ALI said the deal allowed the company to realize “compelling value for the mature asset, crystallizing future earnings potential today.”

“This move is a deliberate execution of Ayala Land’s strategy to be a premier creator of value,” the company said. “It showcases a disciplined approach of developing assets, stabilizing their operations, and monetizing them at an optimal valuation to aggressively fund future growth and enhance shareholder returns.”

ALI President and Chief Executive Officer Meean B. Dy noted the firm’s strategic focus.

“Our strategy is focused on a dynamic cycle of value creation. We build, we stabilize, and we unlock value at the right time to fuel our next wave of innovation,” Dy said.

“This transaction is a prime example of that strategy in action. We are monetizing a legacy asset at peak valuation to accelerate the rollout of our expansive pipeline of commercial and retail spaces, which will define the Ayala brand of development for the next decade,” he added.

The proceeds from the sale are slated to be a key driver in funding ALI’s leasing pipeline, which includes nearly 700,000 square meters of new gross leasable area (GLA) over the next five years. This expansion is set to transform the commercial landscape in key growth centers across the Philippines.

Chinabank Capital Corp. Managing Director Juan Paolo Colet described the deal as “an opportunistic transaction that enabled Ayala Land to exit their joint venture with the Madrigal family at an attractive price. The company can readily use the cash for various projects in its growth pipeline.”

Colet noted that the future plans for the property remain uncertain.

“It remains to be seen what the Madrigal family will do with their prime commercial property. Given the price they paid, they would need to unlock more value from the asset. A major redevelopment might be on the table,” he said.

Situated adjacent to exclusive gated residential communities and active business developments, Alabang Town Center serves as a community anchor with multiple al fresco areas that contribute to a relaxed, homey atmosphere consistent with the local lifestyle.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think the P13.5 billion deal will lead to a major redevelopment of Alabang Town Center in the near future? If you have visited the ATC before, how often do you visit the high-end shopping mall in Alabang? Do you feel confident the ATC will evolve and possibly expand under the control of the Madrigal family and Rockwell Land? Does Alabang Town Center’s current design and structure look old or outdated to you?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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P7-billion redevelopment and expansion of SM Megamall pushing through

August 19, 2025August 12, 2025carlocarrasco

When was the last time you visited SM Megamall here in the Philippines? I was there a few months ago and it still has that same long rectangular structure with lots of stores, restaurants and service providers occupying spaces. It has been 33 years since my first-ever visit at SM Megamall. That being said, SM Megamall is up for major changes as a P7-billion redevelopment and expansion plan for it has been approved with a competition target between 2027 and 2029, according to a Manila Bulletin business news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime), the Sy family’s property development company, is investing ₱7 billion to redevelop and further expand SM Megamall, one of the Philippines’ most iconic malls, with phased completion targeted between 2027 and 2029.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), the firm said the project is designed to elevate the customer experience while embedding long-term sustainability measures across the property.

Designed by United Kingdom (UK)-based architectural firm Benoy—known for developments like Jewel Changi in Singapore and Icon Siam in Thailand—the new SM Megamall will adopt a “Crystal Islands” concept, emphasizing natural light, open flow, and organic forms.

The redevelopment will add 20,000 square meters (sqm) of gross leasable area (GLA) and introduce nature-inspired architecture, improved mobility features, and energy-efficient systems. The addition of themed retail zones and intuitive wayfinding is designed to make the mall more accessible, while encouraging visitors to explore and discover new experiences throughout the expansive complex.

Operational upgrades include a new four-level basement parking facility with over 1,600 slots, expanded walkways and ceilings, and improved circulation through wider corridors and modernized vertical transport.

The redevelopment also includes relocated state-of-the-art cinemas, a new Megatrade Hall, a redesigned food court, and upgraded common areas and restrooms.

Sustainability features are integral to the redevelopment blueprint. A rainwater harvesting system with a 500-cubic-meter capacity will support water conservation, while upgrades to the mall’s mechanical systems are expected to reduce overall energy consumption.

ETFE roofing will be used to let in natural light and reduce cooling costs, while skylights and clerestory windows will minimize artificial lighting.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? When was the last time you spent at least half a day at SM Megamall doing shopping and leisurely activities? Are your favorite restaurants located inside SM Megamall?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Philippines tourism industry failing to attract many foreign visitors this year

July 10, 2025July 14, 2025carlocarrasco

Based on the latest international tourism statistics and analysis for 2025, the Philippines is clearly failing to attract foreign tourists when compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors, according to a news article by VnExpress.

For the newcomers reading this, the Philippines attracted 5.95 million foreign tourists in 2024 and generated more than P760 billion in tourism revenue. The entire Philippine tourism industry registered an 8.9% share of the Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024. The nation’s tourism industry had a strong start of over P65 billion in revenue for January 2025.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the VnExpress news article. Some parts in boldface…

An online debate has erupted on social media as users wonder why the Philippines, with its rich nature, culture, and cuisine, is being overlooked by foreign tourists in favor of destinations like Vietnam and Thailand.

Thea Tan, a Filipino, posted on her X account in May expressing frustration over the Philippines’ underwhelming tourism numbers despite offering what other countries dream of: breathtaking beaches, vibrant culture, incredible food, and the warmest locals.

“So, why are tourists still choosing Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali over us?” she asked.

The post quickly went viral, accumulating over 9,000 likes and hundreds of comments.

In the first quarter of the year, Malaysia topped the list of most-visited Southeast Asian countries, with 10.1 million arrivals, followed by Thailand (9.55 million), Vietnam (6 million), and Singapore (4.3 million). By April, the Philippines had only welcomed 2.1 million visitors.

In 2024, the country saw 5.9 million foreign tourists, falling short of the government’s target of 7.7 million and far behind its regional neighbors including Cambodia, which had 6.7 million visitors.

Many online users, like Tan, argue that the Philippines is not considered a top priority destination in ASEAN.

“We are tiring out tourists with poor infrastructure and complicated transportation,” Tan noted.

Even locals find domestic travel expensive and difficult, let alone for foreign visitors, according to comments on the post.

“The Philippines has beautiful beaches, delicious food, and friendly people, but it lacks roads, reliable airports, and public transportation. Most importantly, the prices here are too high,” one local shared.

Another netizen pointed out, “In all the countries you’ve mentioned, their capitals are also tourist destinations. Manila, on the other hand, is boring for tourists. We don’t have decent museums or historical tours, and moving around in Manila is not easy either.”

A netizen added, “The government isn’t investing in quality tourist facilities and infrastructure like our neighboring countries. That’s where we’re lagging behind.“

Recently, the Philippines was ranked as the most dangerous destination by U.K. financial comparison site HelloSafe in a survey dismissed by the Philippines’ tourism experts as biased and misleading.

Victor Lim, president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that the Philippines must improve its infrastructure and enhance safety measures to establish itself as a leading tourist destination in Southeast Asia, Philstar reported.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Department of Tourism and its strategic partners should get together and come up with hard adjustments to make the Philippines more attractive to foreigners? What do you think are the five biggest problems of the tourism industry of the country? Do you consider tourism-related awards crucial to the Philippines’ ability to attract visitors from around the world?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Philippines Lowers Economic Growth Target Amid Global Uncertainty

July 2, 2025June 27, 2025carlocarrasco

As there are more signs of weakness and uncertainty, the economic managers of the Philippines officially lowered their economic growth target this year, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Economic managers on Thursday revised the economic growth target for this year amid mounting global uncertainties.

At a briefing after the 191st Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) meeting, Budget Secretary and DBCC Chair Amenah Pangandaman said the economic growth assumption for 2025 was revised downward to 5.5 to 6.5 percent from the previous 6 to 8 percent.

For 2026 to 2028, the Philippine economy is projected to expand by 6 to 7 percent, reflecting a more cautious and resilient economic outlook amid global headwinds.

“The revisions take into account heightened global uncertainties, such as the unforeseen escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the imposition of U.S. tariffs,” Pangandaman said.

She said that despite these challenges, the DBCC remains “vigilant and ready to deploy timely and targeted measures” to mitigate their potential impact on the Philippine economy.

The budget chief said the country continues to be one of the fastest-growing economies in ASEAN driven by robust domestic demand.

To maintain this momentum, she highlighted the administration’s focus on structural reforms, including the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, both designed to enhance the country’s trade and investment competitiveness.

Pangandaman said the government will also pursue the approval and implementation of other reforms recently ratified by Congress, such as the Liberalizing the Lease of Private Lands by Foreign Investors Act, Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way (ARROW) Act, and Konektadong Pinoy Act.

The DBCC also revisited the medium-term macroeconomic assumptions to take into consideration recent global and domestic developments.

The inflation assumption for this year was cut to 2 to 3 percent from the previous 2 to 4 percent. For 2026 to 2028, the inflation assumption was retained at 2 to 4 percent.

For 2025 to 2028, crude oil price assumptions were reduced to USD60 to USD70 per barrel from USD60 to 80 per barrel, despite escalating geopolitical tensions.

The foreign exchange rate is assumed to remain stable, averaging at PHP56 to PHP58 per US dollar from 2025 through 2028, supported by lower domestic inflation.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines is lacking momentum to achieve 6% growth this year? Do you think that inflation and unemployment will eventually rise before the year ends? Are you convinced that foreign investors are staying away from the Philippines?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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BSP Calls for Anti-Counterfeiting Campaigns in Malls, Supermarkets and Wet Markets

July 1, 2025June 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Counterfeiting of money is a hot issue right now in the Philippines as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) called for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in specific places of trade and commerce, according to a business news report by the Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is calling for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in shopping malls, supermarkets, and wet markets after these locations emerged as the main sources of fake banknotes and coins recovered last year.

Data from the 2024 BSP annual report published in June showed that counterfeits were “frequently recovered in areas with high foot traffic, such as shopping malls (27.2 percent), supermarkets (25.9 percent), and wet markets (20.9 percent).”

“This highlights the need for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in these areas,” the report said.

According to the central bank report, the ₱1,000 paper banknote was the most counterfeited bill, accounting for 59.9 percent or the majority of documented counterfeits last year. The ₱500 paper banknote was the second-most counterfeited bill at 19.3 percent.

Notably, there were a very low number of cases of counterfeit ₱1,000 polymer banknotes. Recording only three “low-quality” counterfeits in 2024, the BSP noted that the three-year-old ₱1,000 polymer banknote has shown “resilience” against counterfeiting.

“These counterfeit polymer banknotes were printed on paper, with the transparent portions cut out and substituted with substandard plastic, making them easily detectable by the public,” the BSP said.

Fake coins also dropped significantly by 87.8 percent last year, noting that there were fewer than one fake coin for every one million real coins in circulation. Most counterfeit coins were leftovers from previous years, mostly five-peso coins from the BSP coin series.

The BSP attributed this substantial decline in counterfeited banknotes and coins to the “enhanced security features of the New Generation Currency (NGC), including the micro-printed details and laser-engraved designs.”

These added features made it more challenging for fraudsters to copy and reproduce the currencies, the BSP said.

Most counterfeiting involved inkjet printing, accounting for 79.7 percent of the recorded cases. Laser printing was next at 12.6 percent, while tampered security threads accounted for 7.6 percent.

When it comes to location, most fake currencies were found in Metro Manila, at 52.2 percent, followed by the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon (collectively known as CALABARZON), at 12.2 percent.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think counterfeiting in the Philippines will get worse over the next twelve months? Do you think the local supermarket, wet market or shopping mall are hot spots of fake banknotes and coins? Who do you think is responsible for the rise of counterfeit money? Do you think the BSP’s research about counterfeiting is accurate?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Deed of exchange for Festival Mall signed

March 28, 2025March 20, 2025carlocarrasco

Festival Mall – the popular shopping mall in Filinvest City in Alabang – is now fully owned by Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) as the deed of exchange with Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) has been formally signed recently, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Previously it was reported that the value of the transfer of ownership was worth over P6 billion.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the news report of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

FILINVEST REIT CORP. (FILRT) has executed a deed of exchange with its parent company and sponsor, Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI), for the transfer of ownership of Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The two companies executed the memorandum of agreement and the deed of exchange on March 5 as part of a P6.26-billion property-for-share swap transaction, FILRT said in a regulatory filing on Thursday.

Under the transaction, FILRT will issue 1.63 billion shares at P3.85 each to FLI in exchange for the ownership of the 121,862-square-meter (sq.m.) main mall of Festival Mall. The addition of Festival Mall will increase FILRT’s total gross leasable area by 37% to 452,310 sq.m.

The deal expands FILRT’s portfolio into the retail mall segment. Previously, its portfolio consisted of 17 office buildings and 2.9 hectares of land leased to the owner and operator of Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay.

Following the addition of Festival Mall, FILRT’s portfolio mix will comprise 67% offices, 6% hospitality, and 27% retail.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you hope to see improvements or expansion projects at Festival Mall now that it has a new owner? Do you think FILRT will come up with new office buildings in close proximity to Festival Mall within the next ten years?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Japanese leisure services firm to invest P2.5 billion in the Philippines

March 19, 2025March 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Koshidaka Holdings, a leisure services firm based in Japan, will be investing P2.5 billion in the Philippines and plans to launch its first store this year, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. This development is related with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) recent meetings with corporations in Japan. Kodaka Holdings has more than six hundred outlets in Japan and the Philippines is a key part of its planned expansion in Southeast Asia.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Japanese leisure services firm Koshidaka Holdings Co. Ltd. will be investing PHP2.5 billion in the country, with its first store set to open this year, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said.

In a virtual briefing Tuesday, Roque said Koshidaka is aggressive on its plans to expand in the country to bring its karaoke business and onsen-style (hot spring) spas as well as opening women’s fitness studios in Philippine malls.

The Japanese firm is scouting for 30 locations to establish its business here before growing to 100 sites nationwide.

Koshidaka is one of the 13 firms and business organizations that Roque met during her recent visit in Tokyo as a follow-through of the agency’s investment missions in Japan.

These firms include Nidec Corp., Ibiden Co., Ltd., Etoile Kaito & Co., Inc, Adastria Co., Ltd., Sumitomo, Fujifilm Holdings Corp., Chodai Co., Ltd. Taiheiyo Cement Corp., Fast Retailing, JR East, and Koshidaka Holdings Co., Ltd as well Keizai Doyukai and Keidanren.

“We also check on their plans, what their plans are in our country for expansion and also for growth,” Roque said.

Earlier, Koshidaka announced that it would establish a Philippine subsidiary to offer a new style of karaoke entertainment.

Koshidaka said its expansion in the Philippines is a key initiative in its Southeast Asia growth strategy, with the country’s large market and economic development.

“Aside from the entertainment, they also want to open a gym that’s really just focused on women all over the country, and they also want to focus on creating Japanese onsen in the malls or in different areas that are of interest to them,” Roque said.

“So they’re actually coming first quarter this year to really explore the different locations where they can open.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you find Koshidaka Holdings’ karaoke and onsen-style spas interesting? Have you tried any of Koshidaka Holdings’ businesses in Japan before?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Opening of DFA-NCR South Consular Office inside Festival Mall commended by Muntinlupa Mayor

February 23, 2025February 18, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the permanent Consular of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was formally opened inside Festival Mall in Filinvest City, Alabang, and it was commended by Mayor Ruffy Biazon as the facility’s many services will be helpful for the local residents and those from other cities, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon commended the opening of the permanent Consular Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) at Festival Mall in Alabang.

Biazon attended the opening of the DFA Consular Office National Capital Region-South located at the third floor of the mall’s east wing.

Also present during the opening ceremony were Ambassador Joseph Yap, DFA Office of Consular Affairs Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito Cruz, and Filinvest Land president and CEO Tristan Las Marias.

“Available dito ang primary services tulad ng document verification and authentication at passport issuance, among others. Spacious, bright, at convenient din ang bagong office—hindi lang para sa Muntinlupeños kundi pati sa ating mga kababayan from nearby cities and provinces (Primary services such as document verification and authentication and passport issuance, among others, are available here. The new office is spacious, bright, and convenient—not only for Muntinlupeños but also for our countrymen from nearby cities and provinces),” the mayor posted on Facebook.

Biazon said, “this office is more than just a facility. It’s a gateway of dreams para sa lahat ng Pilipinong nagnanais makabisita, makapag-aral, o makapagtrabaho sa ibang bansa (It’s a gateway of dreams for all Filipinos who wish to visit, study, or work abroad).”

Cruz said the DFA-NCR South Consular Office will serve “as the mini-OCA Aseana and DFA outpost.”

He said the Alabang office will provide “consular services that cover first time passport applications, passport renewals, authentication, and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN).”

The first passport applicant at the DFA-NCR South office was a 67-year-old man who applied for his very first Philippine passport. He said he applied for a passport so he can visit his child in California.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think the upcoming STI Academic Center Alabang will make a positive impact on local society as well as on families looking for schools to have their children enrolled in?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Filinvest Malls and COMELEC sign MOA enhancing voter accessibility, Festival Mall to have official registration site

February 10, 2024February 7, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by officials of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and Filinvest Malls inside Festival Mall in Filinvest City which should enhance voter accessibility through the local implementation of the Register Anywhere Program (RAP), according to a social media post by Festival Mall dated February 7, 2024.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of Festival Mall. Some parts in boldface…

In a move to enhance voter accessibility, Filinvest Malls becomes the first mall chain to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), launching the Register Anywhere Program (RAP) during a contract signing ceremony at Festival Mall on February 7, 2024. Tristan Las Marias, President & CEO of Filinvest Land, Inc., and COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia, solidified their commitment to RAP during the ceremony.

Operational from February 12 to September 30, 2024, RAP will establish registration sites in key Filinvest Mall locations, including Festival Mall (Alabang), Main Square (Bacoor), Fora Mall (Tagaytay), and IL Corso (Cebu). This initiative seeks to enhance the efficiency of the voter registration process, prioritizing accessibility and community involvement. These locations have been strategically selected to ensure easy access for diverse communities.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City who happens to need voter-related registration soon, would you avail of the RAP service at Festival Mall? Do you think the agreement between Filinvest Malls and COMELEC will make a huge impact with current voters as well as aspiring voters?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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