President Marcos Jr. on Wednesday emphasized the need for a stronger logistics sector and a more resilient supply chain in the country.
The President welcomed the opening of the Maersk Optimus Distribution Center in Calamba City in Laguna which he expects to help boost the import, export and logistics industries.
“With the grand opening of the Maersk Optimus Distribution Center, our logistics system will be a step closer to becom(ing) 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 after a short tour of the facility.
The Philippines’ logistics sector ranked 43rd out of 139 countries in the World Bank’s 2023 Logistics Performance Index, up from 60th rank in 2018.
The President said the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic underscored the importance of logistics centers in ensuring the continuity of supply chains.
“The lessons learned from the pandemic are that those supply chains have to be robust, and when such (a) tragedy such as the pandemic hits us, that we still have the capability to move people and goods around,” Marcos said.
The President said the P4.8-billion Maersk facility is poised to bolster import and export activities in Southern Luzon, especially in the Bicol and Calabarzon regions.
“This strategic location in Calamba aligns with our efforts to decongest Manila and to unlock the economic potential in the countryside,” he said.
The President said the new facility would directly employ around 1,000 personnel within the first two years of operation, and would create another 1,000 indirect jobs that include vendors, service providers, drivers and the like.
Marcos urged the Maersk Philippines and its partner Solid Group Inc. to “build more agile and flexible end-to-end supply chains, fortifying the groundwork of a more competitive industry for all.”
He also recognized Maersk Philippines and Solid Group for embracing environmentally sustainable practices and supporting the government’s initiatives towards a cleaner and greener Philippines by utilizing solar power to reduce its grid consumption by thirty percent, and deploying electric vehicles for last-mile services, among others.
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; 99 warehouses; and currently employs over 9,500 people.
