OLONGAPO CITY — SM Prime Holdings Inc., the country’s largest mall operator, has opened here its 43rd mall in the country, boosting the city’s bid to become a premier tourism destination. Located along Magsaysay Drive — the city’s entertainment strip — near the main gate of Subic Freeport Zone, the SM Olongapo City Mall is seen provide direct and indirect job opportunities to about 4,500 residents in this city. 

The mall, occupying a total land area of 42,000 square meters, will reportedly be banking on the continued influx of both local and foreign tourists on top of local patrons. 

“Based on our study, Olongapo has a robust market being the former host of US base which was successful converted into tourism site and industrial Freeport zone in Central Luzon,” SM’s Shopping Centers Management Corp. President Annie S. Garcia said. 

She added that the study was primarily based on the sales figures presented by previous tenants of the former Olongapo City Mall, the former occupant of the site. Retailers of Zambales mangoes and other local produce will reportedly be given priority to help small entrepreneurs in the area. Other tenants include Jollibee, National Book Store, and Ace Hardware, among others.