The opening of the Maersk Optimus Distribution Center in Laguna will create direct and indirect employment to 2,000 Filipinos and help decongest Manila, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the grand opening of the distribution center in Calamba City, President Marcos underscored the project will benefit Filipinos by creating numerous opportunities and alleviating congestion in the metropolis with its strategic location in Laguna.

“This strategic location in Calamba, aligns with our efforts to decongest Manila and to unlock the economic potential in the countryside. With this project, it is our citizens who stand to benefit the most. For many Filipinos, it opens many new doors,” President Marcos said.

“In the coming years, the Maersk Optimus Distribution Center is expected to create employment for one thousand people in its surrounding communities and indirect employment for another [one] thousand individuals—from vendors and service providers to truckers and beyond,” he added.

One of the largest logistics center in the country, the Maersk Optimus Distribution Center is expected to strengthen the import and export activities of Calabarzon and the Bicol regions.

With the distribution center’s opening, the President said the country’s logistics system is now a “step closer to become a powerful force,” bridging islands and fostering connections that lead to sustained development.

Globally, the Philippines’ logistics sector has shown significant improvement in competitiveness, according to the President.

According to the World Bank’s 2023 Logistics Performance Index, the Philippines ranked 43rd out of 139 economies, a substantial improvement from its 60th position in 2018.

The President thanked the Maersk Philippines and Solid Group Incorporated for spearheading the initiative and urged them to “build more agile and flexible end-to-end supply chains, fortifying the groundwork of a more competitive industry for all.”

“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,” the President said.

As the government continues to pursue measures to reduce costs and make the logistic industry more competitive, the President hoped that more like-minded businesses would invest in the country’s logistics sector. | PND