DOLE BATANGAS COMBATS CHILD LABOR INCIDENCE THROUGH LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT

Fourteen parents of former child laborers from Agoncillo and San Nicolas, Batangas received livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Batangas as part of its ongoing effort to help families and protect children from the worst forms of labor.

The awarding of livelihood packages took place at the Agoncillo Municipal Hall, led by DOLE Batangas personnel through the guidance of Provincial Director Predelma M. Tan on May 16. 

Each of the 14 beneficiaries received a starter package tailored to their chosen livelihood, including tools and materials for businesses like snack vending (meryendahan), baking, fishing, mobile vending (Negokart), clothes and vegetable selling, junk shop operations, printing, and feed retailing.

Ms. Salazar explained the rationale of the program to the parents of former child laborers. (Photo by Robert M. Rodelas/ DOLE-BPO)

Meanwhile, Ms. Ellaisa Macalintal, Livelihood Development Specialist, also encouraged the families to make the most out of the new business opportunity.

“Kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa tiwala ninyo sa aming programa. Huwag po natin itong sayangin. Malaking tulong ito para sa inyo at wala po kayong kailangang bayaran. Gawin po nating tulay ito para umunlad ang inyong pamilya,” she remarked.

14 Parents of Profiled Child Laborers from Agoncillo, Batangas. (Photo by Ellaisa Macalintal / DOLE-BPO)

Ms. Macalintal discussed the post-turnover measures that the Department will take to ensure that the livelihood packages will continue to flourish in the coming years as part of their monitoring activities. (Photo by Robert M. Rodelas/ DOLE-BPO)

During the interview with one of the beneficiaries, Ms. Lea Marie Dawis shared how much the assistance will aid her child and her whole family.

“Napakalaking tulong po nito sa akin, lalo na sa aking mga anak. Sa lugar namin, medyo malayo ang mga shops na may xerox at printing services. Pumupunta pa ang aking mga anak at mga kabarangay sa ibang lugar para lang makapagpa-xerox o makapagpa-print. Dahil dito, mas makakapag-focus ang aking anak sa pag-aaral, at meron na kaming hanapbuhay na makakatulong sa mga gastusin sa bahay,” she said.

Lea Marie Dawis, a 46-year-old parent of profiled child laborer from Agoncillo, Batangas, is one of the recipients of the 14 various starter kit packages (Printing Package).(Photo by Robert M. Rodlas/ DOLE-BPO

With eagerness to start their business, the families expressed happiness and excitement as they received their livelihood packages with hopes that the new venture can now aid their daily needs. 

DOLE’s Livelihood and Employment team spearheaded the conduct of the activity, with strong support from the local governments of Agoncillo and San Nicolas. The Department also assured that it will continue to support more families and communities, so that no child will have to work too early in life and every parent can build a brighter tomorrow.

ROBERT M. RODELAS