ILOILO CITY -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has pumped livelihood projects worth P2.48 million to curb child labor in the island province of Guimaras.
“Eliminating child labor is a multi-dimensional approach,” said DOLE-6 Regional Director Sixto Rodriguez Jr. at the recent ceremonial turnover of projects for parents of child laborers in Nueva Valencia town.
To recall, DOLE Guimaras Field Office was able to conduct profiling at nine upland, coastal and island barangays (villages) of Nueva Valencia late in 2021 and found that a significant number were engaged in child labor.
“After a thorough assessment, we provided them with viable and sustainable projects,” said Richie Buyco, DOLE Guimaras Field Office chief.
DOLE had provisions for fishing nets, fishing gears and motor engines for fishing bancas to help those living in the coastal areas and island barangays improve their lives.
“Those living in the upland area were provided with materials for swine, cattle and goat raising, native chicken production and vegetable gardening,” added Buyco.
Other parents were also given provisions to start a sari-sari store or sell siomai and ready-to-wear (RTW) clothes to augment their husbands’ income.
“They have the capacity, all they need is support,” added Rodriguez.
With the DOLE provisions, the parents can work while the children should focus on school or have the time for play.