[dropcap]L[/dropcap]ast week, the international convenience store chain 7-11 opened its first store in Mindanao at Abreeza Mall in Davao City.

According to president and CEO of Philippine Seven Corp. Jose Victor P. Paterno, the operator of 7-11 in the Philippines, this is just the start of their expansion in the island.

7-11 logo

The group is planning to open 250 stores all over Mindanao in the next three years, including Cagayan de Oro and of course, General Santos City.

With about 10 workers per branch, that translates to 2,500 additional jobs that could be generated.

7-11 is also collaborating with Caltex by taking over some of the convenience stores of Caltex, again beginning in Davao City.  Then it immediately expands to other areas.

Gensan is a very good market for 7-11 considering the influx of migrants into he city and the increasing volume of tourist arrivals.  Hopefully, by the end of the year, we the generals can now have our fill of SLURPEE anytime soon, 24/7.