On Oct. 30, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque celebrated the facility’s opening, emphasizing its role in promoting both economic expansion and sustainability.
Strategically located near Batangas port, the center highlights the Philippines’ commitment to optimizing logistics networks, the Department of Trade and Industry said in a statement.
“This distribution center aims to facilitate increased domestic consumption, which already accounts for 72.5 percent of our GDP,” Marcos was quoted in the statement as saying.
The President also noted how the facility’s location will ease congestion in Metro Manila while enhancing the economic vitality of Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and Southern Luzon, which contribute roughly 20 percent to the nation’s economy.
Spanning 10.5 hectares, Maersk’s new hub is one of the largest in the Philippines, capable of accommodating 76,000 pallets with 75 docks for trucks of all sizes.
The facility also incorporates sustainable features, with solar panels providing up to 30 percent of its energy needs, a rainwater harvesting system, and eco-friendly sewage treatment.
Roque, in the statement, said the Optimus Distribution Center is on track to become Maersk's first LEED Gold-certified facility by December 2024.
“This commitment to sustainability resonates with DTI’s advocacy for environmentally responsible practices, setting an inspiring standard for other industry players,” she added.
The center is projected to generate over 2,000 jobs and expand opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
With operations spanning 130 countries, Maersk prioritizes sustainable practices, making its Philippines presence a key part of its global commitment to reducing environmental impact.
