MANILA -- The Duty Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC) is planning to expand its operations in Palawan and Bohol by end of this year, a ranking official said Wednesday.
"We are set to open Duty Free Philippines stores in Palawan and Bohol-Panglao International Airport this year," DFPC chief operating officer Vicente Angala told a press briefing in Pasay City.
Angala said no definite date is set but these stores are slated to open within 2019.
"It's still with the DOTr (Department of Transportation), it should be eventually transferred to CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines)," he said.
"We still don't have the details yet as to how big these stores will be but definitely it will happen this year," he added.
Angala said the DFPC has also allotted a budget of PHP27.2 million for the renovation of Duty Free Fiestamall in Parañaque City.
In its newest upscale store -- the Luxe Duty Free -- the DFPC seeks to feature more export-quality local products through a collaboration with the Department of Tourism.
During a walk tour at Luxe, Angala showcased the store's designated space for Filipino-owned Kultura and its kiosk for Philippine-made confectioneries such as the world-class Malagos chocolates.
"These plans and programs bode well for the higher target sales for 2019," he said.
For 2019, the state-owned corporation targets to reach USD220 million in total sales. (PNA)
