From humble beginnings in 1998 to national recognition in 2023, Lighthouse Cooperative in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, has remained true to its founding spirit of faith, service, and innovation.

Established by Rosauro “Pastor Ross” G. Resuello and 15 pioneering members of the Victory Christian Fellowship, the cooperative began as a small food catering service for church events and gatherings.

As the needs of the community grew, Lighthouse Cooperative expanded its services to include computer sales, furniture, school, and office supplies. In 2004, they ventured into food processing with Carne Ybanag, offering Tuguegarao sausages, buffalo crackers, and other local delicacies.

By 2011, the brand evolved into Ybanag Food Products, introducing an array of native treats such as milk candies, peanut brittles, and cassava and rice crackers.

Their resilience was put to the test during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many enterprises, Lighthouse Cooperative faced serious disruptions. However, instead of closing doors, they diversified their product lines and widened their consignment partnerships.

“Today, Lighthouse Cooperative proudly showcases not just our own products, but also goods from local farmers and [MSMEs] we support—helping strengthen community ties and local enterprise,” Lighthouse Cooperative Assistant General Manager Patrick Ventura said.

“One standout innovation is Chichamatis, a creative snack made from surplus tomatoes, providing farmers a new market and reducing waste and Chicha-rabao, a flavorful take on the traditional chicharon, using deep-fried buffalo skin,” he added.

Recognizing its potential, Lighthouse Cooperative invested in the mechanization of Chicha-rabao production through the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

DOST provided a packaging machine loan, while DTI assisted through the Shared Service Facility (SSF) project.

This mechanization not only enhanced product quality and extended shelf life but also secured Chicha-rabao an FDA Certificate of Product Registration (CPR)—a crucial step for broader market reach and credibility.

RTWPB-II also played a vital role in Lighthouse Cooperative’s success story by providing specialized trainings that strengthened the enterprise’s capacity to thrive in a competitive business landscape.

“Through Retail and Visual Merchandising and Service Quality: Building Customer Advocacies, RTWPB II taught us with critical skills to enhance customer experience and professionalize retail operations—raising our overall competitiveness in a growing market,” Mr. Ventura said.

All these efforts culminated in a proud achievement. In 2023, Lighthouse Cooperative was named a National Winner at the NWPC Productivity Olympics, a prestigious recognition for MSMEs that exemplify innovation, resilience, and excellence in productivity.

Building on this momentum, Lighthouse Cooperative has applied for the DOLE Adjustment Measures Program (AMP), aiming to expand its operations and generate more jobs for the local workforce—further strengthening its impact in the region.

Today, Lighthouse Cooperative has transitioned from serving home-cooked meals to offering Ybanag native pasalubong products that celebrate the rich culture and flavors of Cagayan. Even if their focus shifted, they continue to uplift farmers, empower MSMEs, and create employment opportunities—staying true to their mission of community development. Pag Produktibo, Aasenso!