ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 31, 2022 – Some 30 women who are parents of child laborers in Roxas town, Zamboanga del Norte were provided with kabuhayan starter kits and free scholarships for much needed skills training from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 and Technical Education and Skills development Authority (TESDA) 9 on commercial cooking,

In an interview, DOLE 9 Regional Director, Atty. Roy L. Buenafe, said the assistance forms part of DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) wherein beneficiaries are provided with tools and jigs for their chosen livelihood projects.

“To further maximize the use of these tools and jigs, we tap TESDA thru the Dipolog School of Fisheries to provide the beneficiaries with necessary skills training. This gives them a head start on their chosen livelihood projects which will hopefully augment their family’s income,” Atty. Buenafe added.

The skills training began on May 17, 2022 which will be held twice a week for 15 days. The orientation was held at Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall, Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte.

The DILP seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and reduce the vulnerability to risks of the working poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers either through emergency employment, and promotion of entrepreneurship and community enterprises.

Parents of child laborers fall under the labor department’s priorities in line with the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP).

“We are aware of the potential dangers of child labor that is why DOLE 9 is serious in helping eliminate any form of Child Labor in the region in order to protect the welfare of the children against any type of abuse, exploitation or discrimination especially during the COVID-19 pandemic where assistance is badly needed. DOLE provides livelihood opportunities to parents to help them provide for their family and remove their children from forced labor,” said Atty. Buenafe.