Victorias Milling Company (VMC), the country’s biggest refined sugar producer based in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, marked its 105th year with a commitment to sustain growth and embrace innovation amid the ever-evolving sugar industry.
On Tuesday, May 7 night, VMC’s board of directors, partners from the government, planters and customers gathered to celebrate the milestone at the 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.
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. ||
