New logistics center in Laguna to boost import, export projects in southern Luzon, says Marcos

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said that the newest logistics center in Laguna would improve import and export projects in the southern portion of Luzon.

''As one of the largest logistics centers in the country, the Maersk Optimus Distribution Center is poised to bolster import and export activities in Southern Luzon, especially in Bicol and CALABARZON,'' Marcos said during its grand opening on Wednesday.

''This strategic location in Calamba aligns with our efforts to decongest Manila and to unlock the economic potential in the countryside,'' added Marcos.

The President is confident that the new facility would benefit most Filipinos as this is expected to generate employment for thousands of Filipinos, saying that this will also develop local communities.

''Because generally speaking, when a large plant such as this is put up in a community, the downstream employment that comes -- both full employment and partial employment -- is usually three times the direct employment in the facility. So, it is a great boon to the local community,'' he said.

The facility has also been practicing environmentally sustainable practices, according to Marcos.

''From utilizing solar power to reduce its grid consumption by 30 percent to deploying electric vehicles for the last-mile services, it is committed to earning a Gold Certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,'' Marcos said.

Maersk Optimus is the largest Maersk distribution center in the Philippines to date, with a 76,000-pallet storage capacity.

This will serve as the transport hub for southern Luzon. Its 75-dock spread is equipped with a Fleet Operational Control Centre (FOCC), allowing Maersk to efficiently manage its trucking fleet and maximize operational efficiency.

Maersk Optimus will also integrate major warehouse operational and co-packing activities to cater to key industry verticals such as consumer goods, food and beverage, leisure and lifestyle, healthcare, technology, automotive, and retail. 

--VAL, GMA Integrated News