Dole-Davao Aids 25 Parents of Child Laborers in Igacos with Livelihood Assistance
The Department of Labor and Employment-Davao Region (Dole-Davao) has recently provided livelihood assistance to 25 parents of child laborers in the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos). The move is part of the government's ongoing effort to combat child labor in the region.
In the first quarter of 2023, Dole-Davao reported significant progress in its fight against child labor. A total of 19,455 children were withdrawn from child labor, out of the 25,077 monitored from 2018 to 2022. This achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of programs like the Dole Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP).
The program aims to provide sustainable livelihood to parents, thereby reducing the need for children to engage in labor. Vicente Armidilla, Chief of Staff for Internal Affairs, reminded beneficiaries that this assistance is a tool to combat child labor in Igacos. Each parent received a P10,000 starter kit for small-scale businesses, which they can use to support their children's education and free them from labor.
Marlito D. Ayala, head of the Dole-Igacos Extension Office, handed over the cheques, emphasizing that the program's goal is to restore childhood to children. Beneficiaries like Lonie Joy Pran, who plans to start a frozen products business, and Raizel Ann Bestudio, who will venture into ready-to-wear (RTW) business, expressed their gratitude for the assistance. Raffy Bacor, a fruit vendor, hopes that with this support, his child can now return to school.
Dole-Davao's recent assistance to 25 parents of child laborers in Igacos is a significant step towards eliminating child labor in the region. Erlinda G. Mamitag, provincial head of Dole-Davao del Norte, congratulated the beneficiaries and reaffirmed the agency's commitment to guide them in their chosen businesses. With the support of programs like DILEEP, the government continues to work towards ensuring that every child in the region has the opportunity to enjoy a normal childhood.
