Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City residents receive livelihood, medical aid

CEBU, Philippines — Over 95 individuals in Lapu-Lapu City have received financial assistance for their medical and burial expenses.

The aid was given by Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Representative Cindi King-Chan, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7.

Prior to receiving support from the DSWD, beneficiaries underwent a meticulous screening and assessment process conducted by the Office of King-Chan.

Under this initiative, the amount they receive is determined through a comprehensive assessment of their needs, while beneficiaries can also reapply for financial aid after a three-month interval.

Representing the congresswoman, ALIVE President Justin Chan presided over the payout, expressing the commitment of King- Chan in championing the community's well-being.

Meanwhile, some 139 parents of profiled child laborers in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City also received their livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-7 collectively amounting to P3.5 million.

The release and distribution of the materials and equipment needed for the recipients' respective livelihood projects took place at the gym of Barangay Tisa that was facilitated by the DOLE Tri-City Field Office (TCFO).

LGU-Tisa, being DOLE-7's accredited co-partner, took charge in the canvassing and procurement of goods and will also play a huge role in monitoring each livelihood undertaking.

With the aid, the beneficiaries can now implement their own choice of livelihood project where each package is worth between P26,000 to P29,000.

“This initiative is in line with the DOLE's advocacy of addressing the incidence of child labor in the country and in the region in particular. By providing the parents and/or guardians of these children with livelihood assistance, we are assured that the rights of every child are protected and that they will no longer engage in child labor activities that will hamper them from enjoying their rights as a child such as going to school," said DOLE-7 Regional Director Lilia Estillore.

Under the Livelihood Program of DOLE, parents or guardians of child laborers are eligible to avail the "Kabuhayan Para sa Magulang ng Batang Manggagawa" or KASAMA.

"Through this program, we are hopeful that we can help provide and promote sustainable livelihood as a tool to combat child labor," added Estillore.

The program has been running since 2008, which allocation has been taken from the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) budget.

Further, DOLE-7 is now monitoring child laborers profiled last year with the aim of assessing the most appropriate interventions that will be provided to them.

Part of the assistance extended by DOLE to the beneficiaries is their one-year coverage of a Group Personal Accident Insurance through the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). –/ATO (FREEMAN)