DOLE RO1 Aids Child Laborers’ Parents Eke Out from Poverty

Consistent to its mission to promote gainful employment opportunities, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 1 (DOLE RO1) endeavors to aid parents of child laborers eke out from poverty, by empowering them through self-employment and livelihood support.

Through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), DOLE RO1 awarded livelihood kits to 12 parents of child laborers (CL) this July and August, and 36 others are set to receive within this year.

Said child laborers were profiled through the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP). In 2021, DOLE RO1 profiled 8,329 child laborers, who were then referred to social partners for proper intervention and support.

“Ultimately, the goal of CLPEP is to remove these children from the harsh and hazardous conditions of child labor, and to achieve this, the DOLE understands the need to empower their families economically,” said Regional Director Atty. Evelyn Ramos.

Every year, DOLE allocates 10% of its DILP fund specifically to provide aid to these parents. In 2021, DOLE released the total amount of P 7,140,000 for livelihood support to 238 CL parents.

This year, DOLE earmarked the amount of P 1,440,000. This shall fund the livelihood packages at P30,000 each to 48 CL parents.

In Ilocos Sur, five CL parents from Santa Cruz municipality received their sari-sari store package on July 21.

In La Union, four beneficiaries from Sudipen got their sari-sari store package on August 16, while in May 2022, five from Pugo received bicycles and mobile vending kits under the DOLE BikeCINATION project. More CL parents from Bacnotan and Bauang will receive their livelihood aid within the year.

In Aguilar, Pangasinan on July 29, DOLE awarded P 1 Million to Curambing Pao Farmers Association, which shall fund the group’s farm mechanization project. Of the 91 members, eight of them are parents of child laborers.

Meanwhile, in Eastern Pangasinan, CLPEP continues its intensive implementation. In the Stakeholders and Partner Agencies Meeting on July 28 in Binalonan, DOLE underscored synergy and collaborative effort in addressing child labor and helping child laborers attain full and decent childhood they so deserve. (JUSTIN PAUL D. MARBELLA)