Victorias Milling Company president Linley Retirado assured its planter stakeholders that it will begin milling operations despite the fire incident which occurred Sunday evening, Aug. 28.
In a statement, VMC announced that it will begin accepting canes today, Aug. 30, as scheduled.
“We will stand by our commitment to join all sugar industry stakeholders to open the milling season on September 1,” Retirado said, adding that this was relayed by management to Sugar Regulatory Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona, who came to visit VMC Monday to assess the situation.
Initial reports showed that the fire consumed the mill’s adjacent support facilities such as the clinic, the instrumentation office, and the roof of the warehouse.
He said that opening the mill as scheduled can be done since the company is cleaning up the fire site to ease traffic flow when milling begins.
“VMC is very thankful for the immediate response of fire personnel and the help and support of Victorias City Mayor Javi Benitez and 3rd District Rep. Kiko Benitez and other local government units that came to our aid,” Retirado said.
“This rapid response led to the immediate containment of the fire and we are very much grateful,” Retirado added. ||
