MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC), the licensor of 7-Eleven stores in the Philippines, said it is on track to open 500 new outlets this year as a part of a nationwide expansion plan.

According to PSC, the company opened 84 outlets in April, with 50 more opening in May and June, putting it ahead of schedule on its robust 2015 expansion plan.

“The long-term agenda is to have a total of at least 400 more stores throughout the Philippines by year’s end. We aim to do so by securing and investing in our market strongholds, and by constantly looking for viable partners and tapping new opportunities to secure ideal c-store locations,” PSC business development division manager Francis Medina told local news outlets.

The 2015 expansion plan will see the continuous rolling out of modern c-stores, entering new key cities throughout the island nation. Apart from financial growth gains, PSC sees 7-Eleven’s rapid expansion as a key to enhance economic activities in the country by presenting locals with job and franchise business opportunities.

At the end of 2014, 7-Eleven operated 1,282 c-stores in the Philippines, with 814 franchise-owned and 468 corporate stores.