October 30, 2024 | 3:31pm
MANILA, Philippines — At least 2,000 jobs can be expected from a newly-opened logistics hub in Calamba, Laguna, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, October 30.
Marcos led the opening of the Maersk Optimus Distribution Center in Calamba. Maersk is a major, international logistics company with a large market in the Philippines.
“In the coming years, the Maersk Optimus Distribution Center is expected to create employment for 1,000 people in its surrounding communities and indirect employment for another thousand individuals—from vendors and service providers to truckers and beyond,” Marcos said in his speech.
The president believes these numbers are still “conservative,” as downstream employment also compounds job opportunities.
Citing challenges from the pandemic, Marcos said the logistics industry has been able withstand and bounce back from challenges.
“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. Facilities such as this are the nodes of that supply chain,” Marcos said.
Maersk’s presence in the area is also expected to bolster import and export activities in Southern Luzon, particularly in Bicol and Calabarzon.
“This strategic location in Calamba aligns with our efforts to decongest Manila and to unlock the economic potential in the countryside,” Marcos said.
During the ceremonies, Marcos was joined by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, as well as Global Head of Maersk Contract Logistics Dominic Gates.
The distribution center is a P4.8-billion facility that began its construction all the way back on April 1, 2022. It was set for completion on Sept. 30, 2024.
Maersk Philippines has been in operations since 1974, with 11 offices in the country.
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