In Himamaylan City, where residents often travel to neighboring towns just to access basic goods and services, Jonil B. Mongcal saw more than a missing amenity—he saw a chance to change the rhythm of daily life.
His thesis, “A Development Plan of a Shopping Center in Himamaylan City,” is not just about retail. It’s about redefining convenience, connection, and community for a growing urban center long underserved by commercial infrastructure.
“Many families still travel to larger neighboring cities just to access essential goods and services,” Jonil shares. “This adds to their expenses and limits quality of life.”
What he envisioned instead is a one-stop destination—not just a mall, but a community hub where shopping is only part of the experience.
Rooted in Himamaylan, Designed for the Future
Jonil’s proposal emerges from both personal connection and observed need. Having strong ties to the community, he’s witnessed the challenges residents face in terms of accessibility and limited options.
His shopping center plan is grounded in a vision of empowerment through proximity—a development that not only serves consumers but also creates local opportunities for businesses, workers, and families alike.
“This development is not just about commercial growth,” he explains. “It’s about empowering the community, enhancing local convenience, and fostering economic opportunities.”
Beyond Retail: A Space for Family, Culture, and Sustainability
What sets Jonil’s design apart from conventional malls is its family-centric and culturally responsive approach. It includes a resort, apartment hotel, chapel, event halls, and recreational areas, offering something for every age and occasion.
From weekly errands to weekend getaways, the center becomes a space for both function and celebration.
“It’s designed as a family-centric destination, reflecting the strong family values and close-knit community dynamics of Himamaylan,” Jonil notes.
Accessibility is also at the heart of the design. A strategically located transport terminal connects the center to Himamaylan and neighboring towns, making it reachable even for those without private transport. The inclusion of spaces for local vendors and small businesses ensures that the center is not just a consumer space—but a platform for local entrepreneurship.
Built to Last, Designed to Lead
True to the evolving demands of urban sustainability, Jonil designed the shopping center as a net zero energy building, powered primarily by renewable energy sources. This not only reduces environmental impact but also makes long-term operations more cost-effective.
“By merging cultural relevance, community functionality, and environmental responsibility, the project redefines what a shopping center can be,” he says.
A Catalyst for Himamaylan’s Growth
In Jonil’s vision, this development becomes a symbol of Himamaylan’s progress—a place where families come together, businesses thrive, and the city grows with purpose.
“It becomes more than just a place to shop—it becomes a space where residents can relax, connect, and celebrate their shared identity.”
With this proposal, Jonil B. Mongcal shows that commercial design doesn’t have to be impersonal. It can be deeply rooted in the needs, dreams, and rhythms of the community it serves.
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