History of Lizabelle Rice Mill Sta. Ana

          In 1985, the humble barangay of Purok-1 in Pinatilan, Valencia City, Bukidnon, witnessed the dawn of a remarkable journey that would transform the local rice milling industry. Engr. Abundio Ricablanca, a visionary mechanical engineer, and his wife Angelita Ricablanca, a sharp and meticulous accountancy graduate, seemed destined for steady careers. Abundio was excelling as a mechanical engineer, while Angelita was thriving as an accountant in a well-established bank. Despite their success, they both felt a calling to build something of their own—a venture that could contribute to the community and provide a meaningful legacy.

           That calling came in the form of rice milling. Growing up surrounded by lush rice fields, the couple had witnessed how local farmers often struggled with unfair trade practices, receiving only a fraction of the true value of their harvests. The Ricablancas saw an opportunity to change this dynamic while creating a sustainable business. With a shared sense of purpose, they left their stable jobs and took a leap of faith, founding Lizabelle Rice Mill Sta. Ana.

          Naming the business after their cherished daughters, Belle, Liza and Ana, the couple envisioned it as a representation of their values: integrity, hard work, and dedication to quality. Starting in Sta. Ana, their milling operation began modestly. Abundio designed and assembled the milling machines himself, ensuring they were efficient and tailored to handle the local varieties of rice. Meanwhile, Angelita applied her financial expertise, meticulously managing the mill’s accounts and fostering partnerships with local farmers.

           The early days were not without challenges. The transition from salaried jobs to entrepreneurship was daunting, and they had to earn the trust of farmers who were wary of yet another business promising change. Angelita’s people skills and fair dealings soon won over their suppliers, while Abundio’s technical innovations ensured the rice processed at Lizabelle Rice Mill Sta. Ana was of superior quality—clean, aromatic, and rich in nutrients.

As word spread about the Ricablanca couple’s honest practices and excellent rice, their business began to grow. Lizabelle Rice Mill Sta. Ana quickly became known for not only providing premium-quality rice but also for fostering fairness in trade. Farmers appreciated the fair prices and transparent processes, while customers valued the consistent quality of the rice.

           By the late 1990s, Lizabelle Rice Mill Sta. Ana had firmly established itself as a trusted name in rice milling, with a reputation built on quality and fairness. Engr. Abundio and Angelita Ricablanca didn’t stop innovating—they expanded the mill’s operations to accommodate growing demand. With new state-of-the-art equipment, Abundio ensured the milling process remained efficient and precise. Angelita, leveraging her background in accountancy, implemented smart financial strategies that allowed the business to reinvest in modernization and community-building initiatives.

As they approached the 2000s, Lizabelle Rice Mill Sta. Ana began to embrace sustainability, reflecting the Ricablancas' forward-thinking approach. Abundio introduced eco-friendly milling processes to reduce waste and repurpose byproducts like rice hulls and bran for agricultural and industrial uses. Angelita spearheaded marketing campaigns that highlighted their commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability, further strengthening relationships with farmers and consumers.

            The mill diversified its offerings, introducing specialty rice varieties like red rice, organic rice, and premium-grade white rice to meet changing consumer preferences. They expanded their reach beyond Bukidnon, distributing high-quality rice to towns and cities across the Philippines. At the same time, Lizabelle Rice Mill Sta. Ana remained deeply rooted in its community, providing support to farmers through training programs, fair pricing, and occasional profit-sharing during successful harvest seasons.

            By the 2010s, the Ricablancas’ legacy was celebrated not just for the success of their mill, but for the positive impact they had on the agricultural community. Their daughters Belle, Liza and Ana, after whom the mill was named, took an active role in the business, bringing fresh ideas and helping to adapt the mill to the digital age. Under the help of the daughters’ leadership, the mill incorporated modern technologies like inventory tracking systems, e-commerce platforms for rice distribution, and data analytics to forecast market trends.

           Today, in 2025, Lizabelle Rice Mill Sta. Ana stands as a thriving symbol of excellence and innovation. The mill combines its traditional values with cutting-edge practices, ensuring that every grain of rice reflects the quality, sustainability, and care ingrained in its operations. The Ricablanca family continues to champion partnerships with farmers, advocating for fair trade and environmentally responsible practices.

Lizabelle Rice Mill Sta. Ana has expanded its influence beyond rice milling—it has become a source of inspiration for other businesses, a proud landmark of Bukidnon, and a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and community.