Davao-based developer mulls Visayas expansion

CEBU, Philippines —  Bullish of the Philippines’ post pandemic property market, Davao-based developer Alson’s Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) is seriously looking at expanding in the Visayas, particularly in Cebu.

In an interview with Jolla Amparo Soriaga, assistant general manager for business units group, she said the company is considering Cebu as its launching pad to enter the interesting Visayas market.

“We are open to possibilities of expanding in Cebu or in the Visayas,” said Soriaga adding that the company is open for joint venture deals for projects in Cebu, probably a township development, depending on the market pulse.

While the group’s entry to the Visayas still has to be finalized, Soriaga said the company continues to pour investments in Mindanao as the country, including its newly opened commercial arcade called Poblacion Market Central, which houses small entrepreneurs in Davao City in an experiential shopping setting.

Alsons Dev first opened the doors of Poblacion late last year. It hosted over 300 seasoned and up-and-coming artists during the Mindanao Art Fair in October 2021; gathered adventurous foodpreneurs, artists and artisans during the month-long Christmas Bazaar; and moved Aldevinco Shopping Center’s most loved and long-standing tenants to a new space with upgraded facilities in January of 2022.

The Poblacion commercial arcade will set the tone for the company’s pursuit of establishing similar projects that will be opened in other cities, she added.

To date, Poblacion has over 70 merchants, with more openings expected by the fourth quarter.

Davao City welcomes local and international visitors in time for the Kadayawan Festival in the middle of August.

Alsons Dev first made its mark upon the creation of the Aldevinco Shopping Center in 1965, then Davao’s first commercial shopping center, followed by multiple residential projects that are now home to generations of Davaoeños.

For more than five decades, Aldevinco housed Mindanaoan textiles, antiques, and pearl shops; it welcomed both locals and tourists, and it enabled entrepreneurs to start and flourish.

Early in 2022, Alsons Dev closed the old shopping center and relocated its tenants to Poblacion, providing better facilities, marketing support, and the foot traffic necessary for commercial success.

In the next four months, Poblacion will open more concept stores and experiences in time for the holidays.

Alsons Dev is the company behind Davao’s premier subdivision brands, such as Ladislawa Garden Village, Fernwood, Las Terrazaz, Woodlane, Woodridge, and the Northtown township.