FROM small town to “mall town”.
Calasiao, known for its tiny puto delicacy, will soon be home to several shopping malls, two of which, SM and Robinson’s, are among the biggest chains in the country.
The Magic Mall owned by Dagupan City Mayor Benjie Lim is already establishing a branch in the now first class municipality.
Robinson’s Mall of the Gokongwei-owned Robinsons Land Corp. has already started construction of its branch last September 30, according to Engr. Melanio De Vera, municipal engineer.
Robinson’s will occupy a 5.8-hectare land in Barangay San Miguel and the edifice alone covers 3.3 hectares. The two-story mall will be named ‘Robinsons Place Calasiao’, the 30th in the company’s chain of malls around the Philippines. Its amenities include four movie houses, food chains, shops, department store, and supermarket.
De Vera said he is planning to propose to the contractor, Albert S. Yu & Associates, to build an overpass across the highway going to the mall to prevent traffic congestion in the area.
Meanwhile, Magic Mall, located in Poblacion West covering a land area of about one hectare will resume construction on the first week of December after a few months of interruption.
SM Mall, on the other hand, will reportedly be built in Barangay Nalsian but the project has been put on hold pending negotiations with the landowners of the site.
De Vera said the entry of malls bodes well for the town in terms of generating employment opportunities, income from taxes, and increased economic activities from visitors.
“Ito ay magdadala ng malaking tax kung saan makikinabang ang mga mamamayan ng Calasiao, magdudulot din ito ng pagdagsa ng mga turista at makapagbibigay ng trabaho,” De Vera said.–Roselle Gale, University of Pangasinan-Phinma
Source: Calasiao opens door to 3 new malls
