ZAMBOANGA CITY, January 21, 2022 – A total of 253 child laborers went home with smiles and gifts after the conduct of Project Angel Tree hosted by the Zamboanga Sibugay Field Office in Kabasalan and R.T. Lim on January 6 and 13, 2022.

Atty. Roy L. Buenafe, DOLE 9 Regional Director said that the gift-giving activity aims to improve the economic and social conditions of child laborers and their families.

“Moreover the event aims to instill hope and positivity among the children while at the same time advocating the campaign of child labor prevention and elimination in Zamboanga Peninsula,” he added.

In Kabasalan, 174 child laborers received cash assistance, snacks, and school supplies from the Municipal Mayor Hon. Katrina C. Balladares.

Meanwhile, in RT Lim, 79 child laborers were given food packs, snacks, hygiene kits (towels, toothpaste, toothbrush, alcohols and soaps), rice, plastic wares and school supplies. In addition, Mayor Danilo J. Piodena and Vice-Mayor Michael A. Piodena provided cash assistance as well.

Chief Elamsalih E. Ungad of ZSFO said that the activity was made possible with the help of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of LGU Kabasalan and LGU RT Lim.

The children participated in the TikTok dance challenge, raffle draws and enjoyed the Ice Cream Booth, Hotdogs, and JB Cotton Candies which were a treat from the LGU.

Project Angel Tree is a component of the DOLE Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program, provides an array of social services that range from food, clothing, educational assistance or chool supplies, and even work and training opportunities made available by sponsors or benefactors (‘angels’) to child laborers and their families. END/With a report from DOLE Sibugay