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. _ _
Friday, May 16, 2025
HAWAIIAN-PHILIPPINES COMPANY - 2025 VISIT - PART 2
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.
Overflowing with excitement, we arrived in the area a full 90 minutes ahead of schedule. We used this time to photograph some of the mill’s fascinating infrastructure—the former Harbour Line crossing the island’s main road, the transloader area, and the impressive bridge over the Malisbog River, which still carries cane train traffic on the remaining active portion of the mill network.
By 10 a.m., we had arrived at the mill office as arranged. After signing in, we were led through the mill itself en route to the locomotive shed—an experience I assumed would be the extent of our visit.
To say I was stunned to find Baldwin No. 2 (originally No. 5) in steam would be an understatement. At first, I thought it was simply being tested, and I rushed to capture some shots as steam hissed from its valves.
Then came the surprise—we were told it had been steamed especially for us, and that we’d be heading out into the cane fields aboard a working run to collect loaded trucks. I was floored.
Given the serious health challenges I’ve faced over the past six months, this moment held even deeper meaning. It was emotional in ways that are difficult to express.
Throughout the day, we were met with nothing but kindness and hospitality. From management to mill staff, the generosity and warmth extended to us was overwhelming. There were far too many wonderful people to name, but each left a lasting impression.
I left the Hawaiian-Philippine Company with a full heart and memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime.
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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 lumber/sugar railways of Leyte 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.
Malisbog River road/rail bridge. The only bridge on the system.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Where the road joins the tracks to cross the Malisbog River road/rail bridge.
Looking towards the mill, the line curves through the trees to the mill.
I walked this section, some of the photos being below.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and two below.
Walking across the Malisbog River bridge between the regular trike traffic.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Another trike heads over to the canefields and likely Hacienda Colisao.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Far side of the bridge, with one of the very many trikes using it during my photographic survey.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Commencing the walk from the bridge up to the mill.
Here I am looking towards the bridge on the mill side.
Photo: Brad Peadon
A true sugar industry view, the Hawaiian-Philippine Mill as viewed from the railway line.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and four below.
Braving the longish growth to walk the mainline back to the mill.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Approaching the Hawaiian-Tanza Road level crossing immediately before entering the mill.
Hawaiian-Tanza Road crossing looking away from the mill entry gates.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Same crossing looking towards the mill entry gates.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Looking in to the mill.
Loaded trains enter here, proceeding down beyond the yard points, before pushing back into the yard located over the embankment to the right.
(See map below)
Photo: Brad Peadon
A pure stroke of luck in the form of Plymouth #18 doing a perway train shunting movement as soon as I got to the mill gate.
Of interest is that that we never saw this locomotive back in 2023, leading us to think only three left.
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Diesel Locomotives
11- Plymouth 6988 of 1973
16 - Plymouth 6763 of 1970
17 - Plymouth (details needed)
18 - Plymouth (details needed)
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Cab off one of the stored Baldwins.
The mill retains six steam locomotives.
One available for hire, another apparently used by the Don Papa Rum company on occasion.
One is being restored, another possibly to follow. While two remain stored in the yard and will appear in a future posting.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Carriages behind #18.
Photos: Brad Peadon
You may be the curious as to what the SSR means on the side of all the diesels.
I was likewise curious and asked Sir Rodeo Suating.
Back in 2003 the company closed the HPCo transport division, from which time it was run by a group of HPCo planters who created a cooperative to operate the cane railway haulage, using the diesel locomotives.
The cooperative was call the "Silay-Saravia Railway Cooperative". The C was dropped for the cabside logo.
It has been a source of humour for some Aussie fans who immediately thing of our SSR operator.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Cab off of either Baldwin #3 or #4, sitting amongst a pile of cane trucks.
Photo: Brad Peadon
#18 shunting the perway carriages in the yard just after we first got to the gate.
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 websites and forums on Facebook and Twitter, along with our YouTube channel, 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.
26 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.
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