The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The newly inaugurated Maersk Optimus Distribution Center in Calamba City, Laguna, is expected to generate approximately 2,000 jobs for Filipinos, with 1,000 direct positions within the facility and an additional 1,000 indirect roles in support sectors, including trucking, vending, and other essential services.
The said facility will also aid in alleviating congestion in Manila by strategically shifting logistics operations to Laguna.
During the center’s inauguration, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the benefits this facility brings to the community, particularly in job creation and the reduction of Manila’s logistical strain.
“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.
As one of the largest logistics centers in the Philippines, the Maersk Optimus facility is anticipated to enhance import and export activities in the Calabarzon and Bicol regions, further strengthening the nation’s supply chain capabilities. With its launch, the Philippines takes another “step closer to become a powerful force” in logistics, according to the President, bridging islands and fostering sustainable growth.
The Philippines has shown a marked improvement in global logistics competitiveness, with the World Bank’s 2023 Logistics Performance Index ranking the country 43rd out of 139 economies—a substantial rise from 60th in 2018.
President Marcos expressed his gratitude to Maersk Philippines and Solid Group Incorporated for leading this initiative and encouraged 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,” he added.
With the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce logistics costs and increase competitiveness, the President expressed hope that more businesses would be inspired to invest in the country’s growing logistics sector.