TACLOBAN CITY – Leyte Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla confirmed that Shoe Mart,” a widely known mall in the country, is not yet ready to invest in Leyte after conducting a series of studies and negotiating with the provincial government.
Petilla however, did not elaborate the reasons about the decision of the SM Company, but the provincial government is looking to amore serious and high-profile selling mission and investment promotions.
He told reporters that since the intention of the SM to invest in Leyte did not materialize the provincial government is negotiating with the Gokongwei and Ayala group of company which recently visited Leyte to assess and study the viability of establishing malls.
The governor also said the groups of investors have already expressed interest to invest or establish a mall in Leyte.
It was clarified by the governor himself that they are targeting the grandstand area, as it’s more accessible to the public, but also said he is still offering the Candahug area where the provincial government is willing to sacrifice for the good of the public.
In the event the said mall operators will decide to occupy the Leyte Sports Development Center he assures that part of the important negotiation to be agreed is for operators to put another sports center for the city.
“We are actually looking for what is good for the majority, we are still open for negotiation with those investors,” Petilla said.
Petilla added that the provincial government of Tacloban City and Leyte is moving in the right direction, but pointed out that they cannot force businessmen to invest in Leyte because they are more concerned about profit.
