Welcome one and all to the 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' blogsite. This site was set up to share photos, historical pieces, comment and virtually anything else pertaining to transportation in the Philippines, with a special emphasis on rail. Occasional we vary from topic, but this is the less serious side of the hobby shining through - cause sometimes, in this miserable and uptight world, we just take ourselves a little too seriously. Since 1999, the Philippine Railway Historical Society has regularly published items, FOR FREE, of railway interest on our PRHS Website. These include locomotive, rollingstock and transit updates, as well as our occasional magazine, 'Along Da Riles'. Our interest base has grown over the years with our main Facebook railway group expanding to include groups interested in other Philippine Transport, modelling of Philippine transport and even a group for Philippine railfans interested in overseas railways. If it sounds interesting, come join in the fun of the oldest, and most diverse, group dedicated to Philippine railways and other transport. We look forward to meeting you.
If you have a question Philippine railway related, just drop us a line, maybe we can help. _ _
In March of this year, we were incredibly fortunate to be warmly hosted for a visit to the historic Hawaiian-Philippine Company sugar mill in Silay City, about 28 minutes north of Bacolod in Negros Occidental, Philippines.
Unlike our somewhat impromptu visit in 2023, this time I opted for a more official approach. With the kind support and blessing of the company chairman, we were granted the opportunity to experience what turned out to be one of the most unforgettable moments in my 26 years of exploring the railways of the Philippines.
In part 3 we check in to the Hawaiian-Philippine main office, and are taken through to the loco shed.
On my first visit I never really took any images of the still existing track layout within the mill processing area, so wished to rectify that oversight on this visit. Below are some of the shots of the track on the way through. As I have a general interest in the sugar milling industry as a whole, and have been into a couple of Aussie ones, it was fascinating to finally have the opportunity for a better look at this wonderful mill.
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Some people I really must thank.
Mill Chairman: Mr Paul Andrew Curran
Thank you sir so much for allowing my visit to your mill, and for ensuring a link to the amazing heritage of the sugar industry of the Philippines.
HR Division Manager: Ms Gloria Pasustento
For your wonderful help organising our visit.
CoGen Head & Steam Loco Operation: Mr Rodeo Suating
Also to all the train operating division and the other mill staff. All who were so incredible.
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Are you interested in the sugarcane tramways and industry on the islands of Negros and Panay (Philippines)? Also covering the timber/sugar railways of Leyte, Cebu and Mindanao.
The Hawaiian-Philippine Company (HPCO), established in 1918, is the oldest operational sugar central in Silay City, Negros Occidental, as well as one of the oldest in the country. Founded by members of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association, HPCO aimed to reduce production costs and provide employment to locals. Grinding operations commenced on January 15, 1921.
Over the decades, HPCO has maintained its prominence in the sugar industry. It is one of the few producers of muscovado sugar, producing it through traditional artisanal methods. Additionally, HPCO operates a couple of steam locomotives for special occasions, occasionally even on sugarcane haulage duties, reflecting its rich industrial heritage.
Today, HPCO stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of sugar production in the region, blending historical traditions with modern practices.
Above and below.
Former western rail entrance to the Hawaiian-Philippine Company sugarmill.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Start of the now closed Harbour line to the west of the mill.
The most recent image I have seen of this line in use was 2017. I would appreciate learning of when it was last used.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Rope shunting at the western end of the Hawaiian-Philippine yard.
Photo: Brad Peadon
A wee bit further down the former Harbour line.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and two below
Entrance to the main Hawaiian-Philippine office.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Joining me on my visit were Dave (left) and Kevin (right).
Photo: Ana Peadon
Hawaiian-Philippine office.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and two below.
Walking over the the mill itself.
Unsure what they was the loading on the truck below. I would assume bagged sugar.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Team PRHS gearing up for entry.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and four below
My main aim was to cover the railway related stuff at the mill. Kevin and Dave pass over the first few sidings passed. They did not appear used.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and six below
Numerous mill photos of a non-railway nature.
Photos: Brad Peadon
A loop of track just visible at the bottom of the photo.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Further along the loop mentioned above.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Loop looking in the other direction, with a number of cane trucks. Truck 0915-6 being closest to the camera.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and two below
More mill photos.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above and four below.
Pointwork at the north end of the loop.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Exiting shed at north end of the loop and looking back towards the rail yard.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Upon reaching the locoshed area we were surprised to find #2 'Isabella Curran' (originally #5) in steam with Plymouth #17 approaching in the background.
We were to find out that it was in steam to shunt the last remaining field line especially for our visit.
We always welcome news, photos and small articles for inclusion on both this site and our parent group (see below). Please email us!
PRHS.Society at gmail.com
The Philippine Railway Historical Society and forums on Facebook and Yahoo groups have further information regarding these interesting railways and also a number of chat forums for those interested in all areas of Philippine transportation.
Our various forums have the latest news and information from a number of very knowledgeable people. Please join in with our PRHS family, learn about the railways of the Philippines and make new friends.
We now act as a information society, having removed ourselves from the badder elements of the Manila railfan hobby, existing to meet and help others with similar interests.
PRHS - Longest Running Philippine Railways group.
25 years of serving the Philippine railway hobby.
Brad
Australia
FREE PRHS RAILWAY PUBLICATIONS
The PRHS regularly publishes magazines (mostly ezines, but sometimes hard copies) covering different railway topics. Locomotive, rollingstock and transit updates, publications aimed at modellers and our occasional magazine 'Along Da Riles'. In the future, we are planning a number of other publications of interest to everyone, along with plans for a regularly updated database, and another plan that could prove to be a first for the Philippines. PRHS: Bringing a railfan hobby to the nation.
Want more information on the PRHS or have another Philippine railway enquiry?
Philippine Railway Historical Society
For all your Philippine railway information photos and chat, please visit our HOMEPAGE! Our group and activities are free - we are here to promote interest in the Philippine railways, make friendships and help with information. We are not a fundraising group and do not ask for funds. Do you support the past and future of the railways in the Philippines? Come chat with us atPRHSFacebook.We look forward to meeting you.
