Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso has publicly praised the management of SM Zamboanga City Mall for a significant contribution aimed at solving the city's persistent traffic woes. The retail giant has donated a parcel of land to support the local government's road widening efforts.
Land Donation to Decongest Key Avenue
The donation involves a parcel of land along Mayor Vitaliano Agan Avenue in Camino Nuevo village. This move is a direct response to a request made by Mayor Olaso to the company in December 2025. The handover was formalized during a meeting at City Hall on the morning of Friday, January 9, 2026.
Jonathan Nick Santos, SM's Vice President for Mindanao Operations, stated that the donation highlights the company's commitment to improving road access and easing traffic congestion around key commercial areas. He confirmed that the project will move forward once all necessary legal documents are finalized.
Boosting Infrastructure and Local Employment
In his response, Mayor Olaso expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing that this project will make a substantial impact on the city's infrastructure development. He also took the opportunity to urge SM officials to prioritize the hiring of Zamboangueños for the mall's operations and construction.
Olaso highlighted that employing local residents would achieve multiple goals:
- Provide livelihood opportunities for the community.
- Support and stimulate the local economy.
- Help in preserving the city's unique Chavacano language and cultural identity.
Collaborative Effort for City Progress
The meeting was attended by key figures from both the city government and SM. Representing the city were Celso Lobregat, Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Mayor, and City Legal Officer Evangelina Doctolero. They were joined by other SM Zamboanga officials and technical personnel.
This collaboration between the city government and a major private sector player marks a proactive step in addressing urban congestion in Zamboanga. The road widening project on Mayor Vitaliano Agan Avenue is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, especially with the near-completion of the SM Zamboanga City Mall, which is anticipated to attract large crowds.
