A ‘green’ mall opens in the City of Palms

In Tagum, the environment never suffers in favor of development.

This was reiterated by Tagum City Mayor Allan R. Rellon, who was guest of honor, during the opening of Robinsons Place Tagum in Davao del Norte.

For years, the local government has worked hard for the City of Palms — aptly named because of the abundance of palm trees in the area — to be constantly “green.” And yes, nature has never been compromised in its development projects, particularly in the construction of Robinsons Place Tagum.

“Wherever you go, one can’t ignore the ever-changing landscape of Tagum,  a city that’s brimming with progress and innovation. Through the years, we’ve seen its dramatic transformation into competitive urban area. Amid the progress, we make sure the city enjoys a balance of both nature and development,” noted Mayor Rellon.

For this compelling reason the city government has continued to implement programs aimed at protecting the city’s environment. All year round, the city government continues to paint the city green with massive tree and mangrove planting activities. It also intensified its solid waste management.

Well, that explains why Robinsons Place Tagum is imagined with a green, thriving architecture that takes on the vertical height and the sprawling nature of the versatile palm tree.

Set in the backdrop of Tagum City’s breathing ground for residential villages, universities, medical facilities, as well as corporate and government centers, the 65,482-sq.m., four-level commercial development, Robinsons Place Tagum — designed by leading Filipino architectural firm Jonathan O. Gan and Associates — boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that invite natural sunlight, intelligent temperature control systems that maintain the comfortably cool climate sans wasteful energy consumption, the use of stone tiles that encourage the natural flow of foot traffic in the area, and a thoughtful layout where convenient entrances, elevator and escalator accesses are found throughout the mall.

At the entrace, shoppers are greeted by a wire statue of a Manobo man holding/offering durian, which is abundant in Davao.

“Robinsons Place Tagum, our fifth mall in Davao, is probably one the most beautiful malls we have built so far, where much respectfor its natural environs and resources are observed,” enthused Frederick D. Go, president, Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC).

The green space utilized by RLC — as evident in its beautiful architecture and aesthetics is a reflection of Tagum’s verdant environs.
“Choosing Tagum as the site of RLC’s mall expansion is the best decision. For one, we are home to diverse people who love to dine out, stroll in the mall, watch movies and shop. Robinsons Place Tagum is also a welcome development for residents of nearby towns in Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte and the Compostela Valley, even in Agusan. Now, they need not travel to Davao City anymore for their shopping and entertainment needs,” added Mayor Rellon.

Where retail has its rewards

Robinsons Place Tagum puts together a rich and diverse assortment of international, local and homegrown brands that complement, rather than compete with each other.

“In choosing which brands to bring here, we sought the help of the locals. And based on our dialogues with them, we found out that Tagumeños put a premium on education, fashion and entertainment. They were so excited when we told them we’re bringing in National Book Store, alongside favored Filipino retail brands such as Bench, Penshoppe, Oxygen, ForMe and Regatta,” enthused Lourdes T. Alano, vice president-lease, RLC.

Global brands — active wear, footwear, bags and luggage — are represented at Grind, Rest-Toe-Run and Travel Club.

Robinsons Place Tagum also houses Robinsons Malls’ landmark tenants such as Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Supermarket and South Star Drug, Handyman and Robinsons Appliances. During the opening, teens trooped to Daiso Japan, which carries an assortment of kawaii items; while kids love the selections at Toys ‘R’ Us.

“We’ve also partnered with homegrown brands and local enterprises not only to highlight their wares, but to make it easy and convenient for tourists to try Tagum’s delicacies and shop for souvenirs,” noted Derrick O. Candelaria, lease director-new malls, RLC.

Located on the fourth level, Davao del Norte Pasalubong Center (DavNor) offers high-quality pasalubong products and delicacies sourced at fair-trade practices.

Local community micro-enterprises find their rightful place at the the mall’s central atrium, where seasonal bazaars and trade fairs are set to take place — bringing local customs, culture, tradition and trade closer to its everyday shoppers.

Savor Tagum at the Food Gallery  where two dining outlets by B’Yaneng serves homemade specialties by enterprising mothers of the Catholic Women’s League of Tagum City, piquing shopper’s appetites daily with local pangkaanan or halal cuisine. Also try the delectable lechon from Azon’s and organic goat meat specialties like caldereta and grilled kebabs from the Goat Kitchen.

“Tagum is also known as the ‘Mindanaoan City of Festivals.’ It is home to 15 festival annually, where at least one festival is held every month,” shared Candelaria.

Underlining the local flair for celebrations, Robinsons Place Tagum has partnered with Musikahan sa Tagum Foundation Inc., an organization working closely with the Cultural Center of the Philippines on developing and maximizing the potentials of local arts and tourism in the region.

“Musikahan sa Tagum likewise finds its home at Robinsons Place Tagum, where monthly entertainment showcases and exhibitions are set to bring the richness of the land’s culture closer to the hearts of its people,” he added.

Like a tree planted firmly on fertile soil, Robinsons Place Tagum wills itself to grow with the city — where business, culture and family-friendly experiences are set to thrive with unlimited possiblities.

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Robinsons Place Tagum is located at barangay Magugpo, Tagum, Davao del Norte.