Touted as the country’s biggest sugar mill and refinery, and one of the largest in Southeast Asia, the Victorias Milling Company celebrated its 105th year anniversary on Tuesday, May 7, by thanking its employees and partners through the years.
It also affirmed its commitment to embrace technology, trends and innovation to sustain growth in a rapidly evolving sugar industry, a press release from the firm said Thursday.
VMC President Linley Retirado thanked the men and women of VMC in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, for their dedication and to “reflect on the journey that has brought us to this moment,” including the challenges during the rehabilitation era to the “thriving enterprise it is today.”
“Over the years we have faced numerous challenges and overcome countless obstacles but through it all, we have remained steadfast in our pursuit of excellence and even dared to venture into diversification,” Retirado said.
VMC founded in 1919 started as a sugar mill and refinery in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, and has since diversified to include food, power generation, bioethanol among others.
VMC Chairman Wilson Young said that the company surpassed the challenges through the years “because of all of you – our workers, our planters, our partners, the local government units that allowed us to celebrate 105 years”.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson lauded VMC for its continued success and thanked the company for being a vital partner in the province’s sustainable development vision.
“In the narrative of our province, VMC is among the central figures, an enduring symbol of Negros Occidental’s economy, history and development,” Lacson said, adding that “VMC is more than just a company, it is an icon embodying our trials and triumph as the sugar bowl of the country.”
Beyond sugar, Lacson also cited VMC’s role at the height of the African swine fever scare and the province was able to remain ASF-free because VMC helped in meeting local requirements of pork.
Retirado said they are looking at the future with optimism and excitement and vow to “deliver the highest quality products and services to our customers.”
VMC’s celebration started with a Thanksgiving Mass at the iconic St. Joseph the Workers Church in the VMC compound, followed by lunch and games for employees and an anniversary dinner at the Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay, Negros Occidental, attended by local government officials, planters, suppliers and other partners.*