SM City Bataan: Another growth center and gateway to the province
MANILA, Philippines — With over 96% of the mall’s administration staff being Bataeños, including two in leadership roles, SM City Bataan reflects the values of the local community.
Bataan 2nd District Rep. Albert Garcia joined thousands of Bataeños at the opening of SM City Bataan, the first SM mall in the province and the 83rd nationwide, expressing his support and heralding the positive economic implications of the mall’s establishment to the province as a whole.
Garcia said, “When we had the ocular for the different stores during the blessing, we found out that almost everyone working there is from Bataan. They are residents of either Balanga, Pilar, Orani, Orion or Hermosa. I’m happy to know that these jobs are filled by Bataeños. That is really what we were aiming for to begin with—to present more job opportunities that will help make the lives of every Bataeño better.”
With a workforce of over a thousand across mall tenants, and still increasing, the mall proudly showcases the skills and expertise of the community.
Roberto Santos, the owner of Chedeng’s Snack Bar, expressed his joy at the presence of many local brands that are now in SM City Bataan.
“It’s a big thing that homegrown local brands are now in SM,” he said. “In addition to helping fellow Bataeños, many will be motivated as well to go out and do business with SM to promote the local food industries of the province.”
Garcia also lauded SM City Bataan’s effort to extend support to the province’s local development by featuring homegrown businesses (including family-owned brands and locally managed franchises) in different prominent spaces within the mall, which makes it a hub that truly connects communities across the province.
Positioned as a major destination in Bataan
Located in Downtown Balanga, Bataan’s capital city, the newest mall from SM stands as a reliable community partner with its residents.
Not only does it contribute to the local economy, it also serves as a center of accessibility with the incorporation of the Bataan Common Terminal in the mall compound.
“The common terminal serves all public utility vehicles in and out of the city,” SM City Bataan assistant mall manager Jhoanalyn Gatdula said.
“Not only will this help the general workforce of the mall, it will also bring comfort to all our commuting customers.
Accessibility does not end with the mall’s physical structure alone. The 24th mall in North Luzon developed by SM Prime Holdings Inc., the property arm of SM Investments Corporation, SM City Bataan is strategically located in the capital.
Through the terminal hubs surrounding SM City Bataan, the mall provides a venue for visitors to conveniently explore what the province has to offer.
They can visit the nearby Spanish-inspired Plaza Mayor or the hidden gem that is Dunsulan Falls behind Mt. Samat—tourists and Bataeños alike can explore to their heart’s content.
A mini-showcase of Bataan inside the mall
As visitors step into SM City Bataan, they are greeted by a mural with clay pots or banga that capture an aspect of the cultural identity and celebrate the namesake of its capital, Balanga.
Entrance 2, on the other end, renews the province’s commitment to preserving its environment as Ibong Dayo Festival was integrated into another mural as a nod to the efforts of the city’s Wetland and Nature Park, an outdoor sanctuary for migratory birds.
Leveling up the mall experience
True to the notion that every SM City is unique, SM City Bataan takes pride in its lively and modern take on how a shopping mall should make one feel.
Beyond the abundance of shopping and dining options, there are also installations such as The Art in Motion that elevate the mall experience.
Once there, viewers are taken on a captivating journey through various natural backdrops, creating an immersive and dynamic atmosphere within the mall. It goes naturally with the wood-like accents and earthy tones throughout SM City Bataan.
Overall, SM City Bataan attempts to go beyond the “box-type” feel usually seen in other malls. From the mall design to the tenants it houses, it aims to give back to the warmth it received from the community and celebrate the identity of the province and the people it serves.
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