MABALACAT, Pampanga – The 168 retail stores which is popular in Tutuban, Manila will rise in a three-storey building in Barangay Mabiga as part of the P500-million stimulus package that will provide development of major public infrastructure in the town.

The 168 retail stores are expected to attract vendors from Central Luzon and Northern Luzon and will make Mabalacat town as the center of commercial activities in Pampanga, said Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales.

The mayor also said that a new bus terminal will be built near the modern 168 building allowing easy access for consumers.

He also plans to attract the entry of more foreign tourists at Clark International Airport by providing more attractions like the 168 retail stores.

Among the public infrastructure included in the P500-million loan package that will be sourced from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) or the Land Bank of the Philippines include:

3-storey 168 retail stores building, new Mabalacat bus terminal, 5-storey Mabalacat public market, Triple A slaughterhouse, additional classrooms for public learning institutions, and lighting and beautification of the whole Mabalacat town.

Morales said the local government here, the private and business sectors are supportive of the major projects that will transform Mabalacat into a key economic player not only in Pampanga province but in the country.

The town of Mabalacat which is eyeing cityhood by 2013 plays host to the Clark Freeport Zone and the future premier international gateway of the country – the Clark International Airport.

“Only Mabalacat has an international airport, a Freeport, and it is linked to the modern SCTEX,” Morales said.

He added that the 168 retail stores will be located in a 2,000-hectare area of Barangay Mabiga which is directly linked to the SCTEX and the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

“We are putting the new Mabalacat Bus Terminal in Barangay Mabiga to complement the development in the area,” Morales said.

The 168 retail stores are very popular among residents in Pampanga province because of the cheap items.

Local vendors procure their items at the 168 stores in Tutuban.

“The establishment of 168 stores in Mabalacat will allow vendors to cut travel time and save more money,” the mayor said. Other multinational corporations have already located in Mabalacat town while SM has already located in Barangay Mabiga.