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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider Filinvest's sugar business reaches million-ton mark

Filinvest's sugar business reaches million-ton mark

Published Jul 3, 2025 03:24 pm
The Filinvest Group’s Cotabato Sugar Central Co. Inc. has processed over one million metric tons (MT) of sugarcane this milling season, the first time since the Gotianun-led conglomerate acquired the facility in 2002.
In a statement, the company said the figure exceeds the original target for the season by 42 percent.
“This is more than just a number. It’s a symbol of perseverance, transformation, and teamwork. It affirms our drive for operational excellence and long-term sustainability,” Cotabato Sugar President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Juan Eugenio Roxas.
Roxas said the sugar mill’s record-setting performance this year is a testament to the more than two decades of modernization efforts by the Filinvest Group.
Located in Brgy. Kilada in Matalam town, North Cotabato, Cotabato Sugar was established in 1978. Facing operational setbacks, the facility closed in 1986 and again in 2000, before resuming operations in 2003 after Filinvest took over.
Currently, the sugar mill serves sugarcane planters across North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Maguindanao.
The Filinvest Group oversaw upgrades in both equipment and processes, including advanced mill rollers, imbibition automation, and online instrumentation.
Further, operational audits and targeted interventions also optimized output and reduced downtime significantly.
“Reducing factory downtime played a key role in restoring planter confidence,” Roxas said. “It allowed us to strengthen relationships with our partners and improve overall plant efficiency.”
Roxas noted that these improvements also strengthened collaboration among plant workers, engineers, and field staff.
“Our people’s commitment and teamwork made all the difference,” he added.
The Filinvest Group has committed to invest in sustainable and regionally inclusive ventures to position Cotabato Sugar as a driver for rural development and agro-industrial resilience in Mindanao.

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Filinvest Group Cotabato Sugar Central Co. Inc.
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