BALANGA CITY, Bataan – The four-storey Galeria Victoria, now the biggest present landmark here with Robinsons Group as its core tenant, opened Thursday.
City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III said that it was a public-private partnership with the city government providing the 4,500-square meter lot while the New San Jose Builders owned by Gerry Acuzar constructed the building for P250 million.
The city government expects to receive P364 million in lease rental for 25 years while Acuzar not only built the building but at the same time manages and controls the commercial center.
The mayor said there are more than 100 business establishments to set shop in the commercial center but Robinsons Group is considered as its major tenant occupying the biggest space for its department store, supermarket and appliance center.
The opening of the commercial center also marked the first day of opening of Robinsons attended hundreds of mallgoers. A drum and Lyre Group composed of elementary school pupils and dragon dancers provided entertainment.
Businessman Gerry Acuzar and wife, officials of Robinsons, provincial officials led by Gov. Enrique Garcia and Rep. Albert Garcia joined the city mayor in welcoming visitors and other government officials.
“Medyo class na at lalong gumanda ang Balanga sa pagbubukasng Robinsons at ng Galeria Victoria,” a woman said.
The biggest commercial center so far in Balanga sits in the commercial district adjacent to the Plaza Mayor de Balanga, city hall and the St. Joseph Cathedral.
