Historical Development of the Railway System in Bais City Negros Oriental Philippines

By : Bais City Historian Prof. Penn T. Larena ,CPS,MPA,DPA 

The railway system in Bais City played a crucial role in the development of the local sugar industry, facilitating the efficient transportation of sugarcane from the farms to the sugar mills. The early railway network was established alongside the rise of the Central Azucarera de Bais, one of the pioneering sugar mills in Negros Oriental, which began operations at the outset of the 20th century. 

Early Steam-Powered Operations

In the initial years, steam locomotives were the primary mode of transport for hauling sugarcane to the mill site. One of the most notable steam engines was Engine Number 7, built by "The Baldwin Locomotive Works" of Philadelphia. Steam-powered railway transport was widely adopted during the early 1900s, as most sugar centrals in Negros relied on this technology.

By the early 1920s, the sugar centrals expanded their railway networks, connecting various haciendas in Bais, Tanjay, and Pamplona. The Bais central railway extended approximately 50 kilometers from the central to these key agricultural areas, with an additional 0.9 kilometers linking to the main line. The railway had 22.8 kilometers of track extending north to south and another 12.7 kilometers connecting Pamplona to the mill. 

Transition to Internal Combustion Engines

By the late 1920s, internal combustion (i/c) locomotives started making their way into the industry, replacing steam locomotives. The Plymouth Diesel Engine Train emerged as the preferred locomotive for hauling sugarcane. Baldwin, the major supplier of steam locomotives, chose not to compete in this transition despite having developed reliable petrol and diesel locomotives during the First World War. 

During the inter-war period, most internal combustion locomotives in Negros were alcohol-mechanical, taking advantage of the cheap alcohol produced during the milling process. The 1950s and early 1960s saw an influx of diesel-engine locomotives from the USA, including those from Plymouth and other manufacturers. Later in the 1960s, Japanese manufacturers entered the market, offering a more affordable but less advanced alternative.

Modernization and Legacy

Despite technological advancements and modernization in the sugar industry, Bais City retained its railway system for sugarcane transportation. One unique aspect of the Bais railway operation is the continued use of trains to transport molasses. Tank cars still run from the mill to the private wharf at Luka, where molasses is loaded onto ships. This makes Central Azucarera de Bais the last sugar mill in Negros to dispatch its product using this traditional method. 

Heritage Advocate Andoni Llantada

Today, while trucks have largely taken over sugarcane transportation, the remnants of the historic railway system in Bais City serve as a testament to the region’s rich sugar heritage. The old tracks and locomotives stand as historical markers, showcasing the city's vital role in the golden era of the sugar industry in Negros Oriental.