Child laborer families get livelihood kits from DOLE

AT LEAST 27 parents of child laborers from various municipalities in Tarlac province recently received livelihood starter kits worth P15,000 to P20,000 each from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

In line with the government's efforts to address and eliminate child labor, parents of identified and profiled child laborers in 2019 were provided with livelihood packs for them to earn additional income and be able to support their children's education.

A total of P500,000 worth of livelihood packages were distributed to the 27 beneficiaries.

About 18 parent-beneficiaries opted to start their own sari-sari/meat and vegetable stores; four chose rice retailing; while the other five chose selling merienda or cooked snacks, soap and dishwashing liquid, ready-to-wear clothes, or providing nail care home services.

Mariel Quizon, 35, and a mother of four, was one of the recipients of DOLE's livelihood starter kits.

"Since the lockdown, we lost our source of income and relied on relief goods and support from my brother-in-law. My husband had stopped working," Quizon said.

Upon receipt of the starter kit from DOLE, Quizon re-opened her brother-in-law's small sari-sari store at his home and currently uses this stall to sell the grocery items and rice DOLE has provided.

Meanwhile, DOLE Central Luzon Regional Director Ma. Zenaida Angara-Campita reminded the parent-beneficiaries to sustain and make good use of the livelihood given to them.

"With the continuous support from the government, coupled with your perseverance, we hope to see your children in school thriving on learning and their individual passions," Campita noted.