MRSGI and the Ormoc City government formalized a partnership for Metro Ormoc, which will rise at the corner of Real, Lopez Jaena and Rizal streets in the city center.
Site handover and groundbreaking are targeted for late 2026, with full-scale construction mobilization expected to begin in early 2027.
The development will feature a Metro Supermarket and Metro Department Store, along with spaces for food and service tenants and dedicated parking facilities.
Eastern Visayas push
The Ormoc project forms part of MRSGI’s strategy to expand its retail network in key urban centers across the Visayas.
“Ormoc serves as an important commercial and economic center in Eastern Visayas, making it a strategic location for expanding our retail presence in the region,” MRSGI president and chief operating officer Joselito Orense said.
“With Metro Ormoc, we are bringing together our retail formats in a development that responds to local consumer needs while creating opportunities for local businesses, suppliers, and workers to participate,” he added.
The project is also expected to generate direct and indirect employment during construction and once the retail complex begins operations, including jobs in retail, facilities management and logistics.
MRSGI currently operates 84 branches across Luzon and the Visayas under the Metro Supermarket, Metro Department Store, Super Metro Hypermarket, Metro Value Mart, and Metro Home Improvement and Lifestyle formats.
Local products
MRSGI said it plans to allocate commercial space at Metro Ormoc to regional vendors and local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The retailer also intends to carry locally produced agricultural goods, native delicacies and artisanal products as part of efforts to integrate local suppliers into the development.
“When we do business in a new site, we want it to be a partnership with the communities we work with. Metro found alignment in Ormoc City wanting to showcase its native products and delicacies. Metro is proud of our Visayan roots,” MRSGI chair Sherisa Nuesa said.
The partnership was formalized by MRSGI executives and Ormoc officials, including Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez. Fourth District of Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez was also present.
Solar-ready
During the contract signing, MRSGI executives presented city officials with the proposed design of the three-story development.
The building will include infrastructure for roof-deck solar panels as part of the retailer’s efforts to incorporate energy efficiency into its operations.
MRSGI and the Ormoc City government said they would continue coordinating as the project advances, including on opportunities for local businesses to participate in the development.
The new store will further strengthen MRSGI’s presence in its home region of the Visayas while giving the retailer a foothold in one of Eastern Visayas’ major commercial centers. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
