President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is confident that the opening of the Maersk Optimus Distribution Center in Laguna will bring the Philippine logistics system closer to becoming “a powerful force.”

“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,” President Marcos said in his speech during the opening of the distribution center in Calamba City on Wednesday.

The Philippines’ logistics sector ranked 43rd out of 139 countries in the World Bank’s 2023 Logistics Performance Index (LPI), a notable improvement from its 60th rank in 2018.

“Our gains in customs efficiency, infrastructure quality, on-time deliveries made this rank improvement possible,” President Marcos said, referring to the massive development of the country’s logistics sector.

Maersk Philippines has been operating in the country since 1974, with 11 offices, including its corporate office in the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City and a main distribution center in Cainta, Rizal.

It has 99 warehouses and three container vessels, each with a capacity of 1,100 container vans, and currently employees over 9,500 people.

The Maersk Optimus Distribution Center is a P4.8-billion facility with state-of-the-art technology designed to serve Calabarzon and the Bicol Region. Construction began on April 1, 2022. It’s expected to be completed by September 30, 2024.

The center is expected to directly employ around 1,000 personnel within its first two years of operation, and create indirect employment for an additional 1,000 individuals.

President Marcos expressed hope that Maersk Philippines’ investment in the country will continue to grow, wishing that more like-minded business would recognize the opportunities within the logistics sector. | PND