ZAMBOANGA CITY, February 18, 2022 – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Zampen region turned over 60,000 pesos worth of Kabuhayan Starter Kits (KSK) to 3 victims of human trafficking to give them a fresh start.

The livelihood project was implemented under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program in partnership with the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) in Region 9.

The KSKs are composed of grocery items and sacks of rice to start a sari-sari store.

One of the recipients – whose name was withheld for protection – fell victim to illegal recruitment and worked in Damascus, Syria in 2019 as a domestic worker. She was mistreated and abused by her employers which prompted her escape to the Philippine Embassy to seek help and repatriation.

She thanked the PNP and DOLE 9 for the livelihood assistance.

“Maraming salamat po sa PNP na nag assist at nagdala sa amin sa DOLE para mabigyan po ng ganitong kabuhayan. Salamat din po sa DOLE at sa mga staff sa pag-aasikaso sa amin ng mabuti. Sana po ay marami pa kayong matulungan na kagaya naming biktima ng human trafficking,” she said.

DOLE 9 Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe, in his message, lauded the efforts of the PNP-WCPC in endorsing potential beneficiaries to avail the agency’s programs and services.

“Thank you to our law enforcement officers for not only protecting citizens from criminals, but for also being links between the victims to avail of the livelihood assistance. This might only be small-scale assistance but the expansion of this business lies in your hands,”Director Buenafe said.

Police Officer Mal-Meradz B. Lagbas said that the PNP needs the help of the community and government agencies and thanked the Labor Office as one of PNP’s partner agencies in providing after-care for victims of crime.

Present during the turn-over ceremony were Assistant RD Imelda F. Gatinao, TSSD Chief Wesley D. Tan, DOLE 9 and PNP Staff. END