March 30, 2020
Sandra Zialcita (CNN Philippines) | https://bit.ly/2XEs1CB
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 30) — Two major sugar companies based in Bukidnon have temporarily stopped milling operations amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The two local firms, Busco Sugar Milling Co., Inc. and Crystal Sugar Company, Inc. have put operations on hold starting March 28 until April 5, 2020.
In a message to CNN Philippines, Busco Sugar Milling Co., Inc. Officer-in-Charge Eduard V. Carlos confirmed that the temporary closure was upon the request of Bukidnon Governor Jose Maria Zubiri Jr. This, in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus in the province.
Carlos also clarified, production capacity at their sugar refinery remains stable.
“We will resume operations on April 6 and [are] estimated to finish the sugarcane harvest by May 21st,” Carlos added.
Zubiri issued Executive Order No. 13 on March 17, placing the entire province under an enhanced community quarantine as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19.
As of March 30, there are no confirmed coronavirus cases in Bukidnon province.