The partnership agreement was signed on Feb. 12, 2026, with General Santos City Mayor Lorelie G. Pacquiao and Robinsons Land president and CEO Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio leading the ceremony.
Under the arrangement, Robinsons Land will finance, build, and manage the redevelopment of the public market, which is located in one of the city’s long-established commercial districts.
The project is expected to transform the traditional marketplace into a more modern and organized facility designed to improve the experience of both shoppers and vendors.
Modern market design
Palengke Heneral will be built on a 23,126-square-meter site and will have a construction floor area of more than 14,800 square meters spread across three levels.
The new facility will introduce clearer zoning between wet and dry sections, upgraded sanitation systems, improved airflow, and enhanced safety measures including CCTV coverage in key areas.
These improvements aim to create a cleaner, safer, and more efficient environment for market vendors and customers.
Robinsons Land said the project reflects its commitment to improving how public commercial spaces function for communities.
Premiumization strategy explained
According to Aragon-GoBio, the project aligns with the company’s broader development approach known as premiumization.
“Premiumization does not always mean higher prices or exclusivity,” GoBio said.
Instead, the concept focuses on improving how spaces operate to better serve customers, vendors, and communities.
For Palengke Heneral, this means creating a marketplace that balances comfort, convenience, and operational efficiency while remaining accessible to traditional market vendors.
Local business support
Local business groups and vendor organizations have expressed support for the redevelopment project.
The General Santos City Market Vendors Association said the more organized layout and improved management systems would make it easier for vendors to operate their businesses and serve customers.
Meanwhile, the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the upgraded facility could boost vendor productivity while opening opportunities for local enterprises.
Mall component added
In addition to the public market, the development will include a three-level mall that will expand commercial opportunities for residents and entrepreneurs.
The mall will feature an al fresco area overlooking Sarangani Bay, providing a shared public space where residents can dine, gather, and enjoy the city’s coastal scenery.
This lifestyle component is expected to complement the traditional market and enhance the overall commercial district.
Sustainability features included
The project will incorporate solar panels as part of Robinsons Land’s broader sustainability initiatives.
These renewable energy features are expected to support more energy-efficient operations while reducing the facility’s environmental impact.
The initiative builds on Robinsons Land’s existing renewable energy efforts, including the company’s solar-powered mall in General Santos City.
Long-term PPP arrangement
The partnership will run for 25 years, after which Robinsons Land will turn over the fully upgraded public market facility to the General Santos City government.
The PPP model aims to combine private-sector efficiency and investment with public-sector oversight to deliver long-term infrastructure improvements.---Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
