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Metro Naval, MRSGI’s new retail destination designed to serve communities across Biliran Province.

Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI) continues to deepen its presence in Eastern Visayas with the launch of Metro Naval, a new retail destination designed to serve communities across Biliran Province. Located in the capital municipality of Naval, the store brings Metro’s market, department store, and home lifestyle offerings together under one roof, giving residents greater access to essential goods, fashion, and home products closer to home.

(From left): Adelfa Chong, former Property Owner; Jacqueline B. Cano, Vice President for Store Operations, Metro Retail Stores Group Inc.; Hon. Merlie G. Casas, Punong Barangay of Brgy. Padre Inocentes Garcia; Joel Orense, President and Chief Operating Officer, Metro Retail Stores Group Inc.; Hon. Gretchen Stephanie M. Espina, Municipal Mayor of Naval, Biliran; Rogelio J. Espina, Governor of Biliran; and Hon. Nick Arthur V. Parilla, Municipal Vice Mayor of Naval, Biliran, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Metro Gaisano Naval.

The new location marks Metro Retail’s 83rd store nationwide, 65th location, and twelfth store in the Eastern Visayas region, reflecting the company’s continued focus on regional growth outside major urban centers. For Metro Retail, the expansion also signals a long-term investment in local communities by creating jobs, supporting local commerce, and improving access to modern retail experiences in developing provinces.

The launch was led by MRSGI President and Chief Operating Officer Joel Orense, together with local officials, including Biliran Governor Rogelio J. Espina, Naval Mayor Gretchen Stephanie M. Espina, and Vice Mayor Nick Arthur V. Parilla, alongside community stakeholders and business partners from the province.

“Metro Naval represents our commitment to growing alongside the communities we serve,” said Orense. “As we expand our footprint across the country, we want to ensure that families in provinces like Biliran have access to quality and affordable retail options while also creating opportunities that contribute to local economic growth.”

A selection of products available across Metro Market, Department Store, and Home Lifestyle sections at the new Metro Store in Biliran.

Naval houses Metro Market, Metro Department Store, and Metro Home Lifestyle, offering a more integrated shopping experience for residents in Naval and nearby municipalities. The company said the new store is also expected to contribute to local employment and strengthen partnerships with suppliers, vendors, and community stakeholders in the province.

For MRSGI, the expansion into Biliran reflects its broader goal of making modern retail more accessible to underserved and growing regional communities. As the company continues to grow its presence nationwide, it remains focused on building stores that contribute to consumer convenience and long-term local development.

To date, Metro Retail operates a total of 83 branches across Luzon and the Visayas under the formats Metro Supermarket, Metro Department Store, Super Metro Hypermarket, Metro Value Mart, and Metro Home Improvement and Lifestyle. In line with its commitment to sustainable growth and strong corporate governance, MRSGI continues to expand its retail network.