Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) renewed its commitment of support to local entrepreneurs with the opening of the Poblacion Market Central on Monday.
Touted as Davao City’s newest lifestyle destination, PMC will host and showcase the work of Davao’s best creative in food, sculptures, weaves, textiles, and handicrafts.
Cecile Dominguez-Yujuico, president of Conrado and Ladislawa Foundation Inc., the social development arm of the Alcantara Group, said that Poblacion’s merchants are third-generation entrepreneurs, whose grandparents started their journey with the company at Aldevinco.
“We are grateful that we can continue as their partners in showcasing the best of Davao and Mindanao here in Poblacion. Alsons Dev, through Poblacion, will continue to support local entrepreneurs who want to build their businesses alongside a partner that is committed to building a destination that supports the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of the next generation of Davaoenos,” Yujuico said in her message.
Alsons Dev first opened the doors of Poblacion late last year. It hosted over 300 seasoned and up-and-coming artists during the Mindanao Art Fair in October 2021; gathered adventurous foodpreneurs, artists and artisans during the month-long Christmas Bazaar; and moved Aldevinco Shopping Center’s long-standing tenants to a new space with upgraded facilities in January of 2022.
“Through Poblacion, we want everyone to know that “shopping” isn’t limited to just browsing and buying items; we have enhanced and elevated this through other experiences like dining, art appreciation, monthly themed events, and having essential services–like banks–within an arm’s reach,” Yujuico said.
With almost a hectare of gross floor space, Poblacion has now had over 70 merchants, with more opening in the fourth quarter of this year.
“From food to sculptures, batiks and textiles, and handicrafts, Poblacion has something for every one of our guests – whether you are a Davaoeno or a visitor to the city – who have varying shopping preferences, while also celebrating Mindanaoan culture and traditions,” she said.
Alsons Dev also opened Poblacion’s food hall, Kukun, which is short for Kusina at Kultura ng Dabaw.
The company also unveiled a massive mural by Mindanaoan contemporary artist Kublai Millan stands to welcome customers to the atrium area.
Alsons Development and Investment Corporation first made its mark upon the creation of the Aldevinco Shopping Center in 1965, then Davao’s first commercial shopping center, followed by multiple residential projects that are now home to generations of Davaoeños. For more than five decades, Aldevinco housed Mindanaoan textiles, antiques, and pearl shops; it welcomed both locals and tourists, and it enabled entrepreneurs to start and flourish.
Early in 2022, Alsons Dev closed the old shopping center and relocated its tenants to Poblacion, providing better facilities, marketing support, and the foot traffic necessary for commercial success.
