The fire that hit Victorias Milling Co. Sunday night will not hamper the start of its milling on September 1, Sugar Regulatory Administrator Pablo Luis “Paul” Azcona said Monday, August 28.
The fire hit the raw sugar warehouse and clinic of VMC in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, which is the largest sugar refinery in the country.
VMC has yet to issue a report on the extent of the damage and the Victorias Bureau of Fire Protection said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Azcona, who visited the mill Monday, said that VMC officials will complete their assessment but he is positive they can open on September 1.
The fire “had a minimal effect on the sugar supply”, he said.
Azcona said he was saddened watching footage of the incident, “but I don’t think it will hamper VMC’s efforts to start the crop year.”
“In hardship, greater things come out, and I know you guys will come out better,” Azcona told VMC.
The fire allegedly started at the clinic and spread to the warehouse.
Victorias Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, who was at the scene of the fire, said Sunday night that the initial report he received was that the fire had destroyed the clinic and about 60 to 70 percent of the warehouse.*