By DIANN IVY CALUCIN
The Caloocan City local government announced on Sunday, Sept. 11, that it distributed rice livelihood packages to a total of 39 families of rescued child laborers in the city.
The Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) held the distribution of the rice livelihood packages at the Buena Park in Caloocan City on Friday, Sept. 9.
According to PESO Officer-in-charge Violeta Gonzales, the child laborers were identified through the community census conducted by DOLE as part of PESO’s support for the local council’s program to protect children.
Most of the identified children were scrap collectors and street vendors.
Gonzales also said that the department continues to develop opportunities for residents, including the vulnerable sectors of women, solo parents, and senior citizens, to help eliminate child labor in the city.
“Sisikapin natin sa PESO makapaglaan ng mas maraming oportunidad para sa mga kababayan natin, lalo na sa mga kababaihan, solo parents at senior citizens nang maiwasan ang pagtratrabaho ng mga kabataan para makatulong sa kani-kanilang mga pamilya (We will strive in PESO to provide more opportunities for our locals, especially women, single parents and senior citizens to prevent the youth from working),” she stated.
Each livelihood package include 200 kilos of rice, a weighing scale, and plastic bags for rice packaging.
Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan said the livelihood program is to help the families start an alternative income.
“Nais nating mailayo na sa magulong buhay sa lansangan at pangangalakal ang ating mga kabataan. Gusto natin mabigyan ang kanilang pamilya ng pagkakakitaan para makapag-focus sila sa kanilang pag-aaral at hindi sa pagtratrabaho sa kalsada (We want our children to be away from the chaotic street life and trade. We want to give their family a livelihood so the children can focus on their studies and not on working on the streets),” Mayor Along said.
Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare Development Department (CSWDD) also continues to conduct reach-out operations to rescue children from the streets.
It also hands out hot meals to the street children and checks their medical condition before returning them to their families.