Camarines Sur – Child labor has been a far-reaching problem, especially for children living in poverty in the country. Thus, the labor department in Bicol takes swift action in providing interventions to parents and guardians of profiled child laborers as the economic crisis produces multiple challenges for vulnerable and marginalized families.

On Wednesday and Thursday, led by Camarines Sur Provincial Director Ma. Ella E Verano, around 63 parents, and guardians of child laborers in Nabua and Bombon towns in Camarines Sur benefitted from livelihood assistance amounting to over PhP1.10 million giving them a chance for a fresh start in life.

One of the recipients from La Purisima, Nabua, Manuela Centillas, a mother of 7 children shared her hardships being a solo parent.

Upon receipt of the Negocart, she expressed her gratitude to all the persons involved in this project. According to her, she was very happy since she can now upgrade her small business as a street food vendor.

This can augment her daily income because she can now go to different areas in her barangay to sell. With this, somehow, she can now provide for the needs of her children.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said that DoLE has made eradicating child labor its top priority for 2023.

The department, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other government agencies, has managed to cut by about half the estimated 2.1 million child workers nationwide.

Regional Director Ma. Zenaida A. Angara-Campita said the Labor Department in Bicol has been pushing for more inclusive and preventive interventions to address the problem.

One of the measures adopted by the DoLE is the profiling of child laborers to assess their needs and refer them and their families to appropriate agencies and organizations for necessary assistance.

/ISO PR Code:2023_gud_Feb_9_63 Parents of CLs in Cam Sur get P1.1M DOLE aid to start anew

For Release:

MA. ZENAIDA A. ANGARA-CAMPITA, CESO III

Regional Director