ANTIQUE — A total of 47 children identified as child laborers in Barangays Bongbongan 1-2 and Masanag here received assistance through the Project Angel Tree program in celebration of Labor Day on May 1.
The outreach activity provided essential services, including gift-giving, medical consultations with free medicines, food packs, school supplies, and other assistance aimed at supporting the children’s health, education, and overall well-being.
Families of the beneficiaries also received financial assistance through the Tulong Pangkabuhayan para sa Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program, providing temporary relief to help meet daily needs and reduce the risk of child labor.
The initiative is in line with the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen programs that protect workers and their families, eliminate child labor, and ensure access to education and social services for vulnerable sectors.
Virginia M. Goboy, officer-in-charge of the Department of Labor and Employment-Antique, emphasized the government’s commitment to providing disadvantaged families with livelihood opportunities and employment through various DOLE programs.
Meanwhile, Benjie Requintina of the DOLE Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program urged parents to maximize the assistance provided by the government and partner donors to ensure that children are protected from all forms of child labor and that their rights are upheld.
One of the beneficiaries, Lorena delos Reyes, expressed gratitude for the support extended to their family.
“Bahul gid ang mabulig na kadya sa amun kabataan. Pa-eskwelahun gid namun sanda para mataw-an ka mayad nga puturo,” she said, adding that the assistance would greatly help their children pursue their studies and achieve a better future.
Delos Reyes shared that her son, Mark, helps sell vegetables while continuing his studies and dreams of becoming a seafarer. He is currently in senior high school.
Another beneficiary, Diane May Oliveros, said her son helps in farm work alongside his father. She noted that the assistance they received, including the TUPAD payout, would help support their children’s education and daily needs.
The Project Angel Tree activity also featured an information and education session covering topics such as children’s rights and responsibilities, social welfare services, teenage pregnancy, and common childhood diseases.
Participants were likewise oriented on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), violence against women and children, and the DOLE Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program.
With the support of the Municipal Government of Hamtic under Mayor Julius Ronald Pacificador, various municipal offices — including the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Municipal Health Office, and other support units — converged resources to assist families, particularly those with children identified as child laborers.
The program concluded with the signing of a pledge of commitment affirming the dedication of parents, local officials, and stakeholders to uphold and protect children’s rights.
The initiative also received strong support from the Provincial Government of Antique through the PESO and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
Sangguniang Bayan member Liberty Bertolano assured parents that the municipal government continues to strengthen efforts to provide families with better access to education, especially for children from disadvantaged households.(PIA)/PN
