MATLAM, North Cotabato — The Filinvest Group’s Cotabato Sugar Central Co. Inc. in Barangay Kilada has reached a historic milestone, milling more than 1 million metric tons of sugarcane after long-term improvements since its acquisition in 2002.
The figure surpasses the target for the current milling season by more than 42%.
Cotabato Sugar, first established in 1978, is a sugar mill and refinery that serves sugarcane farmers in North Cotabato and the neighboring provinces of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao. The facility has had a challenging history, having shut down twice — once in 1986 and again in 2000 — before the Gotianun family acquired and rehabilitated it in 2002, resuming operations in 2003.
Over the years, the Filinvest Group has invested in modernizing operations, improving efficiency and strengthening its workforce, all of which contributed to this season’s successful output.
“This is more than just a number,” said Juan Eugenio Roxas, president and CEO of Cotabato Sugar. “It represents decades of perseverance and the evolution of our milling operations, as well as the countless changes and sacrifices we have made along the way. It is a testament to our pursuit of operational efficiency.”
Roxas noted that a key factor behind the milestone was the significant reduction in factory downtime, which boosted planters’ confidence in milling with the facility. Improved operations and maintenance procedures have also reinforced teamwork and collaboration.
Upgrades to the mill include enhanced rollers, imbibition automation and online monitoring of key parameters. The efficiency of the process house has been improved through operational audits and troubleshooting at each station. These improvements collectively increased daily capacity, reduced downtime and enhanced throughput per hour.
“The dedication and teamwork exhibited by our employees were paramount in achieving this feat,” Roxas said. “Our employees’ unwavering commitment to excellence has made all the difference.”
“As Filinvest commemorates its 70th anniversary, this achievement by Cotabato Sugar exemplifies the conglomerate’s core values — customer centricity, change for the better and shared benefits — ensuring inclusive growth for all stakeholders,” he added. PR