President Rodrigo Duterte paid the highest compliment to the family of Benito Gaisano by appearing personally for the opening of the Gaisano Grand Citygate Mall on Friday in Milan,Buhangin district.
“I am really grateful to the Gaisano family, Benito, Genivive, Barbara and Vicente for investing in the city,” he said in the vernacular.
He said the mall is certain to generate jobs in the area, known in the past as part of a territory traversed by elements of the rebel New People’s Army.
He said that contrary to expectations, the mall will also trigger opportunities for small entrepreneurs.
Duterte said that this mall will not only offer leisure for the people but will also generate jobs.
He said the mall mirrors the landscape when there is peace and order.
Addressing himself to the NPAs, he called on their remaining foot soldiers to give up a lost cause and join government.
“I will give you land to settle, houses for shelter, jobs and education so you can start all over again,” he said.
He was accompanied by aid Christopher “Bong” Go, and common-law wife Honeylette Avancencia.
The Gaisano Grand Citygate Mall is located in Milan, Buhangin Davao City. The event was graced by Davao City Vice mayor Bernard Al-ag and other city councilors.
“In behalf of the City Government, I would like to thank the Gaisano family for your investment in the city. Thank you Very much for believing in the potential of Davao City as an investment area. This is a very important investment because this mall and residential condominium in the future will provide jobs for our people and will of course provide access to the services of national government and local government,” Al-ag said in his speech.
Living by the mall’s tagline, the mall offered a 50 percent discount on selected items and some premium brands sold in the mall offered a buy one take one scheme in houseware, kitchenware, bags and others.
According to Geraldine Gaisano-Anggala, President of Gaisano Grand management team, the Gaisano City Gate Mall is their first mall in the country.
“We chose Davao city because it is known for its peace and order, and when there is peace and order there is progress,” Anggala said.The mall is settled in an eight hectare property and houses a department store, a supermarket and a cinema.
In this property the Amani Grand City Gate condominium will also rise.
The Amani Grand Citygate will be developed by Grand Land which also owns the Gaisano Grand Group.
In line with the upcoming Halloween season the mall has arranged several activities for their customers. People will get free passes for the Grand Carnival, prizes will be given away for the scariest zombie costume on their zombie themed zumba party and kids will also enjoy the trick or treat event in the mall.
