CATBALOGAN, Philippines — Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI) remains optimistic about growth opportunities in the Visayas, particularly in Leyte-Samar and Negros Occidental, driven by its strategic partnerships with local and provincial governments. With new developments underway, the company 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,” said Manuel Alberto, President and Chief Operating Officer of MRSGI. “As the economies of regions like Negros Occidental and Eastern (Visayas) 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. 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.”
Advancing Regional Growth in Samar
The 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 featuring a supermarket and a compact department store. The subsequent phase will expand the facility into a 2-3 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—components that have already been completed and handed over to the local government. These elements help strengthen the region’s administrative and transportation infrastructure.
A key aspect of the project is the plan to develop a hotel, designed to become a flagship destination for tourists. The hotel will offer various amenities and services for both visitors and residents, creating a vibrant atmosphere that promotes tourism and economic growth in the region.
Expanding Retail Access and Convenience in Hinigaran
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 meet 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.
Driving Future Growth in the Visayas
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. For instance, Eastern Samar registered an 8.1% economic growth in 2023, while Negros Occidental experienced a 6.9% growth. These developments reflect MRSGI’s commitment to enhancing retail access, fostering community development, and strengthening regional infrastructure.
With multiple stores already operational in Leyte, Samar, and Negros Occidental, MRSGI 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 Sherisa P. Nuesa, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of MRSGI. “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.”
MRSGI’s developments in Leyte-Samar and Negros Occidental demonstrate the company’s ability to deliver innovative retail solutions that contribute to long-term regional development. Through these strategic partnerships, MRSGI is poised to shape the future of retail in the Philippines and create lasting opportunities for businesses and communities.
To date, Metro Retail operates a total of 70 branches across Luzon and the Visayas under the store formats: Metro Supermarket, Metro Department Store, Super Metro Hypermarket, Metro Value Mart, and Metro Home and Lifestyle. In line with its commitment to sustainable growth, MRSGI continues to aggressively expand its retail network.
MRSGI is part of the inaugural Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list of the region’s largest companies in revenue terms, a testament to its continued commitment to customer excellence, collaborative partnerships, and sustainability initiatives. | Press Release
