More than 100 parents of child laborers in Surigao del Sur have received a fresh start and renewed hope through P2.8 million worth of livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), as part of its nationwide campaign to eliminate child labor.
Under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), the Surigao del Sur Field Office distributed starter kits, equipment, and raw materials to 48 beneficiaries in Tandag City and 60 in the municipality of Tago. The initiative directly supports DOLE’s Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) and aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to address the root causes of child labor through sustainable livelihood interventions.
Turnover ceremonies were held separately in partnership with the local governments of Tandag and Tago. The assistance enables parents to launch small businesses such as food vending, motorcycle repair, retailing, and grooming services—providing alternative income sources to support their families and keep children out of hazardous work.
“Salamat sa DOLE sa paghatag nan higayon sa amo na maka-negosyo para sa amo pamilya,” said one grateful beneficiary. (Thank you, DOLE, for giving us the opportunity to start a livelihood for our families.)
Another recipient expressed hope for a better future, emphasizing the importance of education and responsible use of the assistance: “Ato paningkamutan na mulambo, na dili nato usikan kay one time da ini sa ato… ato gayud paningkamotan na maka skwela.” (Let us do our best to grow this livelihood and not waste this one-time opportunity. We will make sure our children can go to school.)
An orientation held alongside the turnover ceremonies reinforced DOLE’s message that child labor remains unacceptable and illegal in the Philippines. The agency continues to strengthen its support for vulnerable sectors through education, capacity-building, and sustainable livelihood programs.
These efforts reflect DOLE’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and empowering families, in line with the Marcos administration’s vision for a more inclusive and resilient ‘Bagong Pilipinas’.
