Two people stand in front of the "Negosyo Center Maria Aurora" sign, holding food products and boxes for business promotion.

Setbacks are inevitable, but true resilience is defined by comebacks. Ms. Rosemarie Guzman embodies this spirit, proving that persistence leads to success.

Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2007 when she invested P150,000 in food supplements and multivitamins. Due to miscalculations and lack of experience, the business failed. In 2009, she tried again, this time distributing Korean beauty products, but it too ended in closure by 2010. Despite these setbacks, she remained determined.

Ms. Rosemarie Guzman selling local tuba and snacks at a mall booth. Smiling at customer.

In 2011, she followed her passion for food and innovated sukang tuba (coconut vinegar), transforming it into a flavorful dipping sauce. Instead of rushing into sales, she focused on promotion, distributing free samples to build awareness. This strategy worked, and as Aurora’s tourism industry boomed in 2013, so did her business.

Shelves showcasing coconut vinegar and native crafts at a trade fair. "CFIDP Coconut Farmers" banner visible.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 dealt another blow. Sales plummeted as tourism declined, and she struggled despite efforts to sell online. She reopened her business when restrictions eased, but competition had grown, and sales remained low.

In January 2024, while renewing her business registration at Negosyo Center Maria Aurora, she met Business Counselor Emmanuel Macatiag. He provided business counseling and introduced her to DTI’s programs, particularly the Coconut Farmers Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). Since her raw materials came from their family’s coconut farm, she qualified for free product labeling and marketing assistance.

Rosemarie Guzman demonstrating sukang tuba prep; two videographers film the action on a porch.

Through DTI’s support, she participated in the 2nd Siempre Aurora Trade Fair and Creative Showcase in September 2024, earning P29,885 in four days—equivalent to a month’s income. The event gave her new clients, business partners and valuable insights that improved her business.

With ongoing support from DTI’s OTOP (One Town, One Product) program, she received free product labeling for her other products, along with additional marketing assistance. OTOP helps MSMEs by providing technical support, product development, improved packaging, marketing strategies, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the quality and competitiveness of local goods. Now, Ms. Rosemarie is setting her sights on expanding further, planning to secure FDA registration in 2025 to explore export opportunities.

Ms. Rosemarie Guzman posing with her products.

Her journey of perseverance and resilience proves that setbacks are just stepping stones to success. With passion and the proper support, she is ready to take The Original Sukang Tuba to greater heights.

MSME Information:

Name of Business: ROSEMARIE’S FOOD PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING

Owner’s Name: ROSEMARIE CASTILLO GUZMAN

Address: BRGY. 4 (POB.) MARIA AURORA, AURORA

Email/CP No.: guzmanrose1984@gmail.com / 0928-536-5640

Facebook: Rosemarie Guzman ♦

Date of release: 17 March 2025

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