The Victorias Milling Company (VMC) has launched its P2 billion 40 MW power plant in Victorias City, Negros Occidental on May 7 as part of its celebration of 100 years in sugar production.
VMC president Minnie Chua, VMC Chairman Wilson Young, Senator Cynthia Villar, and Juan Miguel Zubiri, as well as Third District Rep. Alfredo Benitez and Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca led the inauguration of the power plant.
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the plant is the largest stand-alone biomass plant in their registered database.
The biomass power plant runs on a byproduct of sugarcane, which is bagasse.
In a speech quoted in a Manila Bulletin report, Villar said the new plant is a welcome addition to the milling company’s business.
She added that she hopes the DOE will be of help in connecting the power plant to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
Villar also highlighted the importance of the sugarcane industry in the economy as it provided jobs to around 600,000 workers, with contribution of P76 billion yearly. Villar is also the chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Food.
Zubiri said the three products produced with sugar are the future of the industry which are power, fuel, and sugar.
Energy Undersecretary Benito Ranque said the VMC is one the pioneers of renewable energy in the Philippines.
Victorias Milling Company was founded in 1919 and was among the earliest modern sugar mills in the country.