The announcement of Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado about SM’s plan to open its first
mall in Bohol by 2025 has generated mixed reactions from the public, especially from
the residents of Tagbilaran City, where the proposed site is located.
While many are excited about the economic benefits and opportunities that the giant
retailer will bring, some are concerned about the potential risks and challenges that it
will pose to the city’s infrastructure, environment, and quality of life.
One of the voices that raised these concerns is Alfonso “Ae” Damalerio, a local
entrepreneur and advocate for sustainable development.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook account, Damalerio enumerated some
of the issues that need to be considered before SM breaks ground in Tagbilaran
City. These include traffic congestion, road access, parking space, waste
management, sewerage systems, and zoning laws.
Damalerio, a former Provincial Administrator, pointed out that the proposed site of
SM, which is between Hangos and Calceta Street, is already crowded with
commercial establishments and other big institutions, such as the New Capitol, the
City Hall, the Hall of Justice, the Department of Agriculture, CITI Hardware, Island
City Mall, Triumph Hardware, Tagbilaran Uptown I.T. Hub, Holy Name University, the
Integrated Bus Terminal and Dao Public Market, Tagbilaran City Hall and Gov.
Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital.
He noted that the upcoming City Colosseum will be added to this area.
“Given the abovementioned circumstances, has the local government – Provincial
and City alike, considered a more advanced road network and safety plan? A more
efficient traffic management system? Issues on waste management and sewerage
systems? All of these are primordial for urban development,” Damalerio asked.
He suggested that there might be other underdeveloped areas that can be explored
for SM’s location, such as Barangays Tiptip and Cabawan or the Municipalities of
Corella, Cortes, or Baclayon.
The former provincial Board Member said local authorities have expansive
opportunities to proactively come up with holistic plans that could support huge
developments such as four-lane roads, diversion roads, bypass roads and other
infrastructure requirements, and to identify new growth centers and other points for
industrial activities to prevent choking points within the city and allow public and
private vehicles and pedestrians to conveniently flow.
Damalerio acknowledged that SM’s entry to Bohol will have a positive impact on the
local economy in terms of job employment, government revenue through taxes, and
consumer experience.
However, he also urged the local government to think of the potential challenges
brought by far-reaching developments.
“This charts for a new roadmap for local government, a call for balanced decisions
and strong political will,” he said.
Damalerio revealed that he has sent a letter to the Provincial Governor, the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan through the Vice Governor and Presiding Officer, and
the City Mayor and the Sangguniang Panlungsod through the Vice Mayor and
Presiding Officer to appeal for a discussion on this significant matter.
“The future depends on what we do today,” he concluded.
One of the netizens reacted to Damalerio’s post in which he openly invited
Boholanos to share also their thoughts on the issue.
“I agree with Damalerio that the local government should carefully consider the traffic
and safety implications of the SM Supermall project before it breaks ground. The
project is located in a densely populated area with many other commercial
establishments and big institutions. This means that it is already a major traffic
bottleneck. The addition of the SM Supermall will only make the situation worse,” a
Boholano reader said.
“I hope that the local government will take the concerns of the public seriously and
will work with SM to develop a traffic management plan that will mitigate the impact
of the project on the surrounding area. The SM Supermall project has the potential to
be a major economic boon for Bohol, but it is important to do it right,” another
comment said.