A new district is taking shape in Cavite with a focus on long-term use. Key elements like mobility, services, and sustainability are being planned early, through a shared effort between public planning and private development. This direction was marked by a key milestone, as SM Prime Holdings Inc., together with the City Government of Carmona, topped off the new city hall at its new site in Carmona City, Cavite, in February.

The ceremony brought together local officials and private sector leaders, including Hon. Dahlia Loyola, mayor of Carmona City; Cesar Ines Jr., vice mayor; Hon. Atty. Roy Loyola, congressman of Cavite’s 5th District; Jessel Kabigting, SVP and head of Estate Management and Development at SM Prime; and Susan Nicdao, VP and head of the Nature segment at SMDC.

More than a ceremonial milestone, the topping-off marks the next stage of development, with the city hall leading the rollout of key components across the district. This expansion is anchored within the 200-hectare SM Carmona Central, formerly known as Carmona International City. Since becoming a component city in July 2023, Carmona has grown into one of Cavite’s stronger local economies, with the new city hall supporting its increasing population and expanding role as a business hub. Within this setting, the facility lays the foundation for a mixed-use district where government services, commercial spaces, transport access, and future residential communities are planned to function as one.

In line with this direction, Mayor Loyola described the new city hall as a response to Carmona’s rapid growth and the need for more efficient, people-focused services, highlighting how its design and location support a more accessible local government. “This city hall represents accessibility, transparency, and modern governance. It reflects the direction Carmona is taking—forward, structured, and ready for the future.”

Echoing this approach from the private sector, Kabigting emphasized that integrating civic infrastructure early helps guide more organized and sustainable growth, ensuring essential services are in place as the district develops. “At SM Prime, we believe nation-building begins with long-term investment in places with strategic potential. The New Carmona City Hall ensures that SM Carmona Central grows with structure and purpose, with governance at its center.”

Building on this shared vision, the project is planned as a large-scale mixed-use district, featuring a future SM Mall near the SLEX interchange, a National University campus, a dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line, and a network of commercial, institutional, and open spaces.

Grounded in Carmona’s established industrial base, including the Carmona Industrial Estate and Southwoods Industrial Park, the area is positioned as a key expansion node in the South Luzon corridor, with strong links to Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

This connectivity, along with planned transport and institutional anchors, supports long-term land value and investment, while the topping-off of the New Carmona City Hall marks steady progress in building the district’s core infrastructure. With public and private sectors working together, the project shows a more coordinated approach to growth, positioning Carmona as a growing hub in the South.