ZAMBOANGA CITY — Amidst the COVID19 Pandemic, the Department of Labor and Employment IX (DOLE 9) in partnership with the Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc. (NFI), an accredited co-partner (ACP), turned-over Kabuhayan Start Kit to thirty-two (32) individuals who are parents of child laborers in Isabela City on September 18, 2020 at the Isabela City Gymnasium, Sunrise Barangay, Isabela City.

DOLE 9 Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said that this strategy is one of the interventions of DOLE in collaboration with other partners to combat the issues on child labor in the city of Isabela. These livelihood projects, if properly implemented and monitored, would improve the living condition of the beneficiaries.

The general objective of the KSK under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Program (DILP) is to provide opportunities for parent-beneficiaries to earn income as entrepreneurs which will enable them to uplift their socio-economic condition and send their children to school for a brighter future.

“Through the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program, the DOLE is able to profile child laborers and their families, assess their needs and refer them to agencies which can provide necessary assistance,” Dir. Buenafe said.

Present during the turn-over ceremony were Hon. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, Mayor of Isabela City, Ms. Maria Elena T. Alabata, Supervising LEO, OIC and Ms. Marlyn M. Anoos, Senior LEO, both from DOLE – ICFO,  NFI Executive Director Ms. Deddette L. Suacito and LGU- Isabela City Public Employment and Services Office Manager Ms. January Y. Zanoria.

DOLE 9 released the amount of  PHP 546, 983.00 to fund starter kits for food processing,  sewing, carpentry, baking and pastry making, welding and  vulcanizing.  The package of assistance also includes accident insurance with 1-year coverage and an orientation on Occupational Safety and Health for Informal Sector.

Happiness filled the eyes of the beneficiaries as they received the livelihood package of assistance as they can start building new sources of income to help them sustain a decent life amidst this pandemic.  END/ With reports from Criselle Ann M. Puno, DOLE 9 Community Facilitator