Victorias Milling Company (VMC), the country’s biggest refined sugar producer based in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, committed to sustain growth and embrace innovation as it marked its 105th year on May 7.
To cap the celebration of the milestone, VMC’s board of directors, partners from the government, planters and customers gathered for an anniversary dinner at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City.
“It is only proper and fitting that we all celebrate the anniversary of Victorias (Milling Company). All of you who has known the history and the challenges that Victorias faced in the last 20 years. It is because of all of you, our workers, our partners, our friends in the local government unit, that VMC is here standing before you and celebrating its 105th anniversary,” VMC chairman Wilson Young said in his message.
Founded on May 7, 1919, VMC originally operates mill and refinery facilities for sugar, but has eventually expanded its business to power cogeneration, bioethanol, and potable alcohol production.
Its subsidiaries include the Victorias Foods Corp., Canetown Development Corp., Victorias Golf and Country Club Inc., Victorias Agricultural Land Corp., Victorias Green Energy Corp. and VMC Foundation.
VMC president Linley Retirado said the momentous occasion is a reminder of the “vision, hardwork and dedication of all those who have been part of VMC”, from its humble beginnings, throughout the rehabilitation era, and to being a thriving enterprise that it is now.
“We are glad that our hardworking board has laid a foundation for VMC’s success, with the commitment in providing quality services, adhering to the highest standard and innovation in sustaining our business,” he added.
Retirado noted that “the sugar industry is evolving rapidly, with new technologies, trends and consumer preferences shaping the way we do business”.
“We are committed to stay in the forefront of these changes, embracing innovation and continuing to deliver the highest quality products and services to our customers. We are not only celebrating our past achievements, but also looking forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead,” he added.
In his message, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson called the VMC “a pillar of Negros Occidental’s sugar industry” and an “enduring symbol of Negros Occidental’s economic history and development”.
“It is an icon, embodying our trials and triumphs as the sugar bowl of the country,” he said.
The governor recalled having spent his childhood years until the age of five in VMC, sharing that his “memories of this vibrant and industrious community remain close to my heart”.
“I am honored to witness the continued success of VMC,” he added.
Lacson also recognized the cooperation between the provincial government and the VMC at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The provincial government issued the necessary quarantine passes to VMC to ensure its continuous operations and to lessen the blow of the pandemic on the sugarcane industry,” he added.
Lacson said that with the prohibition of the entry of pork products to the province due to African swine fever outbreak, “VMC was greatly instrumental in meeting the local demand for pork products.”
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said the VMC is the city’s “biggest and most important locator”.
“We are happy to be in partnership with VMC,” he added.
Third District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez lauded VMC’s “105 years of sweet service”, adding that he looks forward to “many more years of partnership and community impact”.
“Salamat gid for empowering and employing countless Victoriasanon throughout the years, and for being a cornerstone of progress in Victorias City,” he said. ||
