More businesses open under Mayor Ondo’s watch

Mayor Edward "Ondo" Codilla and Vice Mayor Leo Carmelo Locsin Jr. do the honors of cutting the ribbon during the inauguration of TTL Automotive Center. Joining them are TTL Chairman and president Jimmy T. Yaokasin Jr. (right) and director Boldman Yulangco (left).

WITH Ormoc on its way to full recovery after the destruction by typhoon Yolanda, it has been observed that investors are flocking to the city once again. Last July 7, TTL Automotive Center, a dealer of Toyota cars based in Tacloban City, inaugurated its branch in Ormoc.

Jimmy T. Yaokasin Jr., chairman and president of Toyota Tacloban Leyte (TTL), said they chose Ormoc for their expansion being a progressive city. “It’s strategically located in the western part of Leyte, it’s the gateway to Southern Leyte and to other towns in the 3^rd and 4^th districts,” he said.

“We have seen that under the stewardship of Mayor [Edward "Ondo"] Codilla, many investors have been coming to Ormoc. In fact, Robinsons is here, SM has already bought a property here, and of course, Toyota will not be left behind. And so we came here looking for a place but we cannot find a big place,” he continued.

TTL Auto Center stands on a 1,500 sq.m. land right across Ormoc District Hospital. Its showroom at the front and repair shop at the back occupy a combined 800 sq.m. The shop is equipped with lifters and provides services like preventive maintenance, body paint, change oil, etc. Its technicians are trained at Toyota Motor Phils. Training School in Laguna.

“This [building] is only for the next five or six years,” Yaokasin went on. “Eventually, we will have to find a bigger place because we are very sure our business here will grow and prosper. As we inaugurate this building, we are looking for a bigger one.” A full service showroom of Toyota requires one hectare.

Earlier that day, Goldilocks blessed its newly renovated store. Operated by Chawnah Foods Inc. of Tacloban, the interior of the 40-sq.m. store sports a modern look after six years of operation in Ormoc. Also last July 2, Watsons pharmacy opened a branch at Gaisano Riverside Mall.