SHAPING LIVELIHOODS, ONE CANDLE AT A TIME: DOLE BATANGAS EMPOWERS CANDLE-MAKING ASSOCIATION IN LIPA CITY

The DOLE IV-A through its Batangas Provincial Office awarded livelihood assistance to the Samahang Pangkabuhayan ng Antipolo Del Norte (SPAN-RIC) during a ceremonial turnover at the Antipolo Del Norte, Lipa City, 05 February 2026.

The group received tools and equipment to support the start-up of their candle-making production, providing a meaningful boost to their income-generating initiative for their eighteen (18) skilled and experienced beneficiaries.

Ms. Salvacion R. Kalalo, DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program Focal Person, Ms. Axl-Rose S. Busilig, Livelihood Development Specialist; and Mr. Jonel P. Cuevas, TUPAD Coordinator spearheaded the turnover and discussed the essential details of the assistance.

According to Ms. Busilig, the association started their application with the primary goal of equipping their members with the necessary items and resources which can in turn help them produce more candles which will be their source of income.

During the ceremony, Ms. Kalalo informed the beneficiaries on their duties and responsibilities moving forward, particularly, the need to strive in making the newly turned over items a way to enhance their lives and grow their businesses and skills.

Moreover, Hon. Spye T. Toledo, City Councilor of Lipa City, representatives from the Lipa City Agriculture Office, and the Antipolo Del Norte Barangay officials and staff also graced the said ceremony.

This initiative reflects DOLE’s continued commitment in providing the necessary sources of income associations through the Department’s livelihood program.

In the future, DOLE hopes to cater more beneficiaries with the goal of uplifting the quality of their lives, be it in the formal and informal sector through the other programs and social services to every Batangueno.#