Child laborers’ parents receive government assistance

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment-7 recently released P4.5 million to 139 parents of profiled child laborers and 43 displaced workers through its livelihood assistance program.

According to DOLE-7, parents of profiled child laborers in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City would soon operationalize their individual Negosyo sa Kariton (NegoKart) after the release of P3.5 million to the barangay as DOLE's partner in the livelihood project's implementation.

DOLE-7 said that once all materials, jigs, and equipment for the business are ready, beneficiaries will each man their own NegoKart worth more than P26,000 each.

The beneficiaries would engage either in rice retailing or in selling cake and pastries, RTW, frozen products, fruits, siomao, ngohiong, barbeque, egg, seafood, water, puto cheese, fish, and meat.  They could also have a "silogan" or engage in buy and sell business of motor parts.

Also, DOLE likewise released P1 million in assistance for 43 Mandaue City displaced workers as part of its "DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program."

The program aims to contribute to poverty reduction and reduce vulnerability to risks of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers.

The Mandaue City Public Market Vendors Multi-Purpose Cooperative, as DOLE’s accredited co-partner, received the amount on behalf of the beneficiaries.

The assistance marks the start of the livelihood projects for 20 beneficiaries in the form of "Livelihood Starter Kits" and the enhancement of the existing bakery business of 23 more recipients.

Their business will revolve around operating a sari-sari store or a carenderia, meat products selling, swine production, and selling of vegetables.

DOLE-7 added that part of the assistance extended to the beneficiaries is the Group Personal Accident Insurance coverage with the Government Service Insurance System. — (FREEMAN)