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 4 we ride Baldwin #2 (formerly #5) from the mill to Colisap (77) along the mills last surviving field line.
Photos commence at the mill locoshed and take us through to Colisap (77) siding where we pick up some loaded cane trucks.
Come join us for the ride. If you wish to see the videos of the day, check out our PRHS TV YouTube channel.
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 and historic 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.
Plymouth #17 sitting outside the Hawaiian-Philippine Company mill loco shed prior to our departure.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Train crew preparing #2 (ex #5) for our run.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Looking towards the Hawaiian-Philippine yard as we depart.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Excited passengers looking forward to a true heritage experience.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Nurse Dave who was with us on the day.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Empty cane trucks await their next call to duty.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Baldwin steamers 3 and 4 sitting in the yard dreaming of a day they could one day operate again.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Exiting the mill gates, the line crosses a local street before curving down towards the big Malisbog River bridge.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Approaching the road/rail bridge.
Photo: Brad Peadon
It is a lovely trip through some bush and canefields.
Photo: Brad Peadon
That tree line to the left is where the mainline south once junctioned off this line. See map at top of the article and image below.
It does appear that all that track has been removed, though it would be good to have a closer look on a future visit.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Enjoying those lovely provincial views.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and two below.
Views to be had from the carriage.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Cane trucks are sitting on the branch to Colisap (77C).
It is not clear whether the whole branch is still in use. It is clearly visible on Google Earth, but there is no indication of train usage as the time the images were taken.
See two images below.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Has arrived at Colisap (77) to collect the loaded cane trucks.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and three below.
The point at the mill end of the Colisap (77) loading point.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Empty cane trucks sitting in the siding awaiting loading.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and two below.
#2 waiting for us to finish before hauling it's load be\ack to the Hawaiian-Philippine Mill.
Photo: Brad Peadon
#2 and trucks sitting on the mainline that appears to continue through to at least San Diego (78).
Photo: Brad Peadon
Beyond where we picked up the loaded trucks is another loading point.
A look on Google Streetscape and Earth would seem to suggest that this now the end of the line which once extended further and from Google Earth looks like it went across the 'Bacolod-Negros Occidental Economic Highway'.
Image: Copyright of Google
The first loading point after San Diego (78) which is believed to be that in the image above. It does appear that all traces of track are now gone.
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