LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Wilcon Depot, the Philippines’ leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer, officially opened its first store in Betag that marks the company’s 97th store nationwide, furthering its expansion in the Cordillera.
The grand opening event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a mass, attended by local officials from La Trinidad, as well as representatives from Wilcon Depot with Francis Lazaro, Assistant Vice President for Sales and Operations, was among the key speakers.
In an interview, Lazaro highlighted the strategic choice of La Trinidad for the new store, stating that many customers from Benguet had been traveling to Wilcon’s branches in Pangasinan and Bauang, La Union for bulk purchases.
“Moreover, our expansion here creates valuable employment opportunities for the local community, contributing to regional development. We are committed to hiring and training local talents, fostering growth alongside our business. As we look ahead, we are excited about our journey towards opening the 100th store, aiming to reach every corner of the Philippines. At Wilcon Depot, we are passionate about helping Filipinos build, improve, and refine their homes, all while upholding our mission of integrity and sustainability,” Lazaro said during the event.
Lazaro elaborated further:
“Base sa customer kasi namin, talagang every week meron kaming delivery dito and yung customers namin dito eh talagang bulk kung bumili, hindi siya yung pakonti-konti lang. Meaning from this area, bumababa pa sila ng ibang area para kumuha, so nakita namin ibang opportunity. Booming talaga ang construction industry dito sa area na ito, that’s why nandito kami para i-serve natin mga customers natin. Masmalapit at maibigay namin mga quality product na ino-offer ni Wilcon, and at the same time, makapag-create tayo ng opportunities ng employment dito sa mga lokal dito.”
Local officials also expressed optimism about the store’s impact on the community. La Trinidad Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan shared his thoughts:
“Unang una, nagpapasalamat tayo na mayroon ulit negosyo na pumasok dito sa munisipyo ng La Trinidad kung saan ito’y magbibigay ng trabaho and at the same time kita rin sa ating local government ng La Trinidad. Asahan po natin na habang tumatagal lalaki rin yung tax na babayaran nila at itong tax na ito ay papasok din sa kaban ng municipal government natin para magamit natin para sa iba’t ibang proyekto, programa, at activity para sa ikakabuti ng ating mga constituents.”
Wilcon Depot’s La Trinidad branch is expected to not only offer a wide range of home improvement products but also boost the local economy by creating jobs and enhancing access to quality building materials for residents and businesses in Benguet. By Angeline Kafuyao
