DOST helps keep candle livelihood project burning

DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo visits the production site for candle making livelihood project of BKP-Holy Cross Parish. Shown in photo is the votive candle molding machine acquired by the group through DOST-MIMAROPA Grant-in-Aid fund.

THE future burns bright for a church-based organization in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque as it expands the operation of its candle production livelihood project with the help of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The Batayang Pamayanang Kristiyano (BKP) Holy Cross Parish Chapter started candle production in March 2011. Then, they were producing an average of 510 (both votive and standing) pieces of candles from 150 kgs of paraffin wax per month which were supplied to the local parish. The group was earning an average gross income of P 10,000 per month.

Realizing that there is still untapped market for their products in the province, BKP thought of improving the candle production. It was then that they sought the assistance of the Provincial Science and Technology Center of Marinduque to scale up their production through mechanization.

The group was able to acquire a votive candle molding machine in 2013 through a Grants-in-Aid fund from DOST-MIMAROPA.

The machine has helped increase production from 40-60 votive candles to 216 candles per day which translates to 4,752 votive candles per month. The monthly gross income of the group is now pegged at around P 18,500.

Furthermore, the BKP-Holy Cross Parish Chapter is now able to supply the candle needs of all the 14 parishes in the province.

Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr., the newly installed bishop of the Diocese of Boac is very appreciative of DOST’s initiatives in promoting science and technology livelihood activities. “Napakalaki ng nagagawa ng DOST (DOST has been a big help)”, he said, adding that he sees the agency as one of the frontliners in serving the poor in the country.