Anchored on Project Angel Tree, the Department of Labor and Employment IX thru its Zamboanga City Field Office (ZCFO) in coordination with the Zamboanga City Federation of Family Welfare Committees (FWC), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority IX (TESDA), City Health Office and the City Social Welfare and Development Office conducted “Na Ika-7 Pascua na Agosto, Man Alegria Kita” on August 30, 2019 at Barangay Arena Blanco, this City.

Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo said that this annual event aims to bring out social services to child laborers (CL) and their families and increase the number of allies and advocates for the prevention and elimination of child laborers in the City.

A total of fifty-three (53) child laborers and children at risk of becoming CL profiled at Arena Blanco received school supplies, hygiene kits, slippers, mosquito nets, clothing, medicines/vitamins, and food packs.

Alongside TESDA’s training opportunities to CL and their parents, medical outreach was also made available not only to the target beneficiaries but to other families in the community, as well.

One of the child laborers expressed her gratitude to DOLE:

“Salamat po sa school supplies at sa iba pa…malaking tulong ito sa aking eskuwela.” (Thank you for the school supplies, this will greatly help me in my studies.)

As he expressed his gratitude to the sponsors and donors, Mujib M. Abdulhusin, Barangay Chairman, likewise thanked the DOLE for the concern and for bringing “angels” to his constituents.

DOLE Assistant Regional Director, Albert E. Gutib in his message encouraged the CL to continue their schooling, and urged parents to steer their children away from exploitation.

“To our partners, we can’t thank you enough for the continued partnership to the DOLE Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program,” he said. END/ With reports from Ma. Eloina Idris, ZCFO