Grand Opening Ceremony of the Maersk Optimus Distribution Center 10/30/2024

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Calamba City, Laguna
October 30, 2024

“Without logistics, the seamless flow of our lives and conveniences we have grown accustomed to would simply break. But, beyond keeping the flow of commerce seamless, logistics also fuel our economy and create jobs for our people,” remarked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. when he led the grand opening of one of the country’s largest logistic centers located in Southern Luzon, the Maersk Optimus Distribution Center in Calamba City, Laguna.

The facility is a PhP4.8 billion investment fitted with state-of-the-art technology to serve as a fulfillment center catering to the CALABARZON Region (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and nearby areas. It will support import and export activities due to its proximity to the Batangas port.

In his speech, the President recounted the journey of the country’s logistics sector, from withstanding challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming one of the fastest-growing industries. It has shown marked improvement in competitiveness as reflected in the World Bank’s 2023 Logistics Performance Index, where the Philippines climbed to the 43rd spot out of 139 economies — a massive improvement from its previous ranking in 2018 as Top 60.

“With the grand opening of the Maersk Optimus Distribution Center, our logistics system will be a step closer to become a powerful force — bridging our islands, breathing life into our industries, our businesses, bringing together our people on a path towards sustained development,” he said.

The Chief Executive emphasized that the facility’s strategic location in Laguna aligns with the efforts to decongest Manila and unlock the economic potential of the countryside. In the coming years, the Maersk Optimus Distribution Center is poised to create employment for 1,000 workers in surrounding communities and indirect employment for another 1,000 individuals, from vendors and service providers to truckers and more.

He also highlighted the Company’s commitment to embracing environmentally sustainable practices, from utilizing solar power to reduce grid consumption by 30%, to deploying electric vehicles for last-mile services.

“Your values as a company align with this Administration’s priorities to transition to cleaner and more renewable sources of energy. It is imperative for both the public and private sectors to adopt effective, responsive, and ecologically sound practices,” he conveyed, further expressing his hopes for this investment to continue to flourish and that many other like-minded businesses would take stock in the Philippines’ logistics sector.

“Let this day reaffirm our commitment to constructing a Bagong Pilipinas, where we work hand-in-hand to ensure that prosperity flows into every corner of our archipelago,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his message.

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