Two Colonnade malls to open in Metro Cebu

CEBU, Philippines —  Bohol-based conglomerate Alturas Group of Companies (AGC) will open two more Colonnade shopping malls within Metro Cebu, owing to the promising prospects of retail business despite the rising popularity of eCommerce.

In an interview one of the founders and AGC general manager Marlito Uy, he said that the Colonnade malls on Colon Street in Cebu City and in Mandaue City are doing good, even during the pandemic, prompting the company to invest in the expansion plan in Metro Cebu, he however, stopped short of revealing the target locations.

For now, Uy said the group’s retail business will only focus its expansions on Cebu and Bohol and no immediate plans for venturing outside of the region “at least for my generation.”

AGC, founded by the Uy siblings of Bohol 50 years ago, is now managed by some of the second-generation. He said for his generation's management, he is not keen on going outside Cebu and Bohol.

With diverse businesses from retail, tourism, commercial, agro-industrial, and farming in Bohol, Uy said the entry of giant operators like SM Group, is a welcome development for his province.

“We have free enterprise,” said Uy explaining further that anybody who may want to part take in Bohol’s promising business opportunities is welcome. After all, it's good for the province's economic strength.

As the group celebrates its 50th anniversary this year 2023, it reaffirms its commitment to drive strategic, sustainable progress that benefits Bohol and the rest of the Visayas, guided by its slogan “Serving the community, Uplifting Lives.”

 "We are truly grateful for the support we have received over the past 50 years, and we are excited to continue this mission for many more years to come," said Uy,

"As we reach this major milestone, we have a range of exciting initiatives planned to mark this special day, including corporate social activities, community programs, and sustainable solutions. We are also committed to further improving our malls and customer experiences, ensuring our customers have the best shopping and leisure experiences,” he added.

 The group also made significant contributions in 2022. Last October, AGC donated P200,000 or P10,000 each to 20 breast cancer patients during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as part of its Pink Run for a Cause marathon attended by 1,600 runners.

Likewise, AGC made significant progress in its operations, such as the recent opening of the third Marcela Farms Feedmill, highlighting food security and sustainable practices. Considered among Asia's few large-scale feed mills, it serves the dietary requirements of all Marcela Farms' livestock and aqua operations while utilizing efficient waste management. The farm is the primary source of livestock for Alturas Malls, providing consistent and high-quality products for Bohol, Cebu, and other areas.

AGC also opened Fixrite Hardware-Panglao, which provides jobs and quality yet affordable construction materials to the public. It offers a wide range of products, including simple hand tools for repair needs, plumbing, construction, and electrical supplies, serving as a one-stop shop for all hardware needs. Located in Brgy. Bolod, the store is just a few kilometers away from the Bohol Panglao Island International Airport, making it easily accessible to customers.

 Moreover, AGC celebrated the official anniversary of the Alturas Mall in Tagbilaran City on November 24 with a range of activities. These included the Alturas Got Talent Employees Edition, a talent competition for all Alturas Mall employees, and the 3rd Alturas Mega Crew Dance Battle, an interschool dance crew contest open to all schools in Bohol.

In addition, the mall conducted A Day with PWD Angels, an outreach program for deaf and mute children of Tagbilaran City. The activities included a free clinic, talent contest, art workshop, lunch, gift-giving, and talent presentations.

AGC is committed to creating meaningful and impactful experiences for its customers. It is excited to provide the public with another memorable year filled with various opportunities to connect with the company and to be a part of its ongoing commitment to strategic, sustainable progress in Bohol and the Visayas region.