President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led on Monday the launching of the expansion of the Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT), a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Incorporated (ICTSI) based in Manila during the sidelines of his participation to the 50th ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.
In his speech, President Marcos highlighted the global success of the ICTSI in using modern technology in its operations, becoming “a shining example of Filipino expertise contributing to the smooth flow of trade and commerce” in the world.
“Since ICTSI came to Australia in 2014 to establish the Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT), we are now seeing and are delighted to do so, to watch the application of cutting-edge technology and automation in improving efficiency and productivity,” President Marcos said.
“Being the only fully-automated container terminal in the southern hemisphere is a great feat worthy of admiration. VICT shows us that we need not be afraid of technology and automation,” the President added, as he underscored the important role played by modern technology.
In fact, President Marcos said the Philippine government recognizes that using modern equipment in VICT has led to a safer working environment, minimizing old occupational hazards and improving the health and lifestyle of its workers.
VICT is ICTSI’s first entry point into Australia, which started its operations in 2017 and has grown to become a major player in Melbourne. The ICTSI is now one of the largest independent terminal operators with 33 terminals in 19 countries across six continents.
“This expansion we are witnessing today is a clear sign that Filipino companies can thrive in some of the most advanced economies in the world, and in the case of VICT, they are in it for the long haul. We look forward to VICT’s astounding success and continued growth,” President Marcos said.
The President lauded VICT’s efforts to take its corporate social responsibility seriously as he emphasized the company has also been supportive of the Filipino seafarers that constitute a large proportion of the seafarers that pass through its facilities and the 95,000-strong Filipino community in Victoria.
Marcos also thanked VICT CEO Bruno Porchietto and his company not only for supporting numerous Filipino community events including the 125th Independence Day anniversary last year, but also for helping the vibrant Filipino community become more visible in Australia.
“VICT is a Philippine success story, and I hope it will only be the beginning,” the President said.
“With the Strategic Partnership that has been signed between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and myself last year, I hope to have laid the groundwork for even more success stories like this in many different sectors and possibly two-way investments to allow Australian businesses to also take part in the exciting economic prospects that we are now witnessing in the Philippines,” he added.
President Marcos and Prime Minister Albanese signed an agreement in September last year, elevating the bilateral ties of the Philippines and Australia from comprehensive to strategic partnership.
Before concluding his speech, the chief executive noted that Filipino investments in Australia are thriving, as he looks forward to mutual economic prosperity through the vibrant economic partnership of the two countries.
“Today, we inaugurate a facility, remotely, that will be here for years to come. This facility is built for the long-haul, akin to the partnership of our two nations. I am confident that it will be a witness to a future to be defined by closer economic cooperation, a more dynamic and fruitful collaboration between the Philippines and Australia,” he said.
President Marcos is currently in Melbourne, participating in the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit. *PND*
