SM Prime, SMDC mark topping-off of new Carmona City hall, boosting vision for modern urban hub

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and SM Development Corporation (SMDC), in partnership with the City Government of Carmona City, formally topped off the New Carmona City Hall at its new location on Friday, February 20, 2026.

The milestone signals steady progress in Carmona’s push to evolve into a modern, globally competitive city. The City Hall serves as the first phase of a broader master-planned development that will later include a centralized transport hub, educational institutions, and a retail complex.

SM Prime is accelerating its expansion in Southern Luzon, citing Carmona’s strategic position and strong growth potential as key factors behind the development of SM Carmona Central. According to Jessel M. Kabigting, Senior Vice President and Head of Estate Management and Development, the investment reflects the company’s long-term confidence in Carmona’s role within the corridor linking Metro Manila and the Calabarzon growth belt.

Kabigting emphasized that Carmona’s accessibility through major transport routes connecting the capital to industrial and residential zones in Cavite and Laguna makes it ideal for a large-scale township. She explained that SM Prime’s integrated development strategy focuses on investing in emerging regional centers while building the infrastructure needed to sustain long-term economic and urban growth.

At the heart of the 200-hectare estate is the New Carmona City Hall, envisioned as the civic centerpiece of the township. The government complex is designed to foster an integrated environment where governance, commerce, education, and mobility intersect, helping lay the foundation for long-term, generational development.

SM Prime’s township model is anchored on infrastructure-first planning, sustainability, and smart-city principles. The approach ensures that transport systems, utilities, and public spaces are established early to support future businesses and residents.

Planned developments within SM Carmona Central include a commercial district anchored by a future SM Mall near the South Luzon Expressway interchange, a campus of National University, residential communities, healthcare facilities, institutional buildings, mobility solutions such as potential bus rapid transit connectivity, and expansive green spaces. Together, these components are expected to generate economic activity and strengthen Carmona’s transition into a modern urban hub.

Local leaders, including 5th district representative Roy M. Loyola and Mayor Dahlia A. Loyola, described the topping-off ceremony as a significant step in the city’s transformation following its conversion to component city status. They characterized the new City Hall as a symbol of transparent, accessible, and responsive governance.

Officials underscored that the project highlights effective public-private collaboration, enabling the efficient delivery of high-quality infrastructure while ensuring responsible use of public resources. They added that once operational, the new complex will improve service efficiency, enhance interdepartmental coordination, and provide residents with a more accessible and transparent government environment.

Addressing concerns about traffic and environmental impact, city leaders assured residents that the development is part of a comprehensive master plan that integrates mobility improvements and sustainability measures.

With the structure now topped off, city officials expressed optimism that the New Carmona City Hall will not only elevate public service delivery but also serve as a catalyst for investment and sustained growth in Southern Luzon.