ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 15, 2023 – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 9 in Zamboanga City, in partnership with the Zamboanga Women’s Federation Inc. (ZWFI) as the Accredited Co-Partner (ACP), has turned over various individual projects to 38 parents of child laborers amounting to ₱1,210,040.00.

The turnover ceremony was held on May 13, 2023, at the Barangay Camino Nuevo Covered Court in Zamboanga City.

Regional Director Albert E. Gutib shared that the livelihood assistance to parents of child laborers is a strategic response to prevent and eliminate child labor.

“Under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, PCLs are among the priority beneficiaries. The assistance can come in the form of Negokart, starter kits, or materials needed to start a livelihood undertaking,” said Gutib.

This initiative aims to empower parents of child laborers by providing them with sustainable sources of income, which can reduce their reliance on their children’s labor. This program helps to ensure that children can go to school and receive an education, rather than being forced to work to support their family’s basic needs.

Violeta Alejandro, ZFWI President, said that they are committed to working with DOLE to support the livelihood of the marginalized communities, particularly the families of child laborers. Through partnerships like this, they hope to create a better future for the families and children in need.

City Mayor Hon. John M Dalipe, Camino Nuevo Chairperson Norberto I. Monopolio, Wea Angelic Almonte of DTI 9 and Maria Elena T. Alabata, Chief of DOLE ZCFO, were present during the event. END/With reports from ZCFO