Around 150 former child laborers in Quezon City received education kits from the government, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Tuesday, Aug. 20.

The distribution was carried out under DOLE’s Project Angel Tree, which was held at the Flagpole Risen Garden in Quezon City Hall.

The education kits included bags filled with school supplies such as art materials, coloring tools, notepads, and writing instruments.

In addition, the children received hygiene kits containing oral care products, soaps, and towels.

DOLE-National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) Quezon City Field Office Director Martin T. Jequinto said the department regularly monitors child laborers and provides livelihood support to their families to help meet daily needs and ensure that the children can attend school.

“Many Filipino families face ongoing financial struggles, which often force children into labor instead of allowing them to study and play,” Jequinto said.

He stressed the importance of collective effort in protecting children’s rights and eliminating hazardous work to ensure every Filipino child can pursue their dreams in a safe environment.

“The DOLE’s Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) aims to protect children from hazardous labor. In collaboration with the Quezon City local government and other organizations, our goal is to provide support and solutions to end child labor,” Jequinto added.

During the ceremony, the former child laborers also received Emergency Go Bags from the QC-DRRMC, and urban farming kits were distributed to 150 parents and relatives by QC Joy of Urban Farming.

Moreover, the Office of the City Mayor and QC PESO provided food packages, including 5 kg of rice and grocery packs, to the beneficiaries.

Project Angel Tree, an initiative of DOLE’s CLPEP, offers essential social services such as food, clothing, educational support, mentoring, livelihood training, medical aid, and other resources to child laborers and their families.