Surigao del norte: As of July this year, some 552 parents and guardians of child laborers in Dinagat Islands and Siargao Islands in Surigao del Norte received PHP10.1 million in livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment in the Caraga Region (DOLE-13).

According to Philippines News Agency, at least 114 parents and guardians from Dinagat Islands were provided livelihood projects during the period with a total cost of PHP1.9 million. The release of the livelihood projects was implemented through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) and is part of the continuing efforts of the agency to address the economic factors that contribute to child labor by helping families establish and strengthen livelihood activities.

Elena, 27, with three children, was among the identified beneficiaries of the program in Dinagat Islands. "The support will help my family survive amidst difficult times and ensure that my children will continue to attend school," Elena said in an interview on Wednesday. She also hoped that more families in the province with cases of child labor would receive immediate support from the government.

In Siargao Island, 438 parents and guardians of child laborers were also provided with different livelihood projects through the DILP in the total amount of PHP8.2 million. The livelihood packages released include sari-sari (sundry) store merchandise, kakanin-making supplies, rice for retailing, bread-making equipment, fruit vending carts, fishing gears, boat engines, and various equipment for frozen food and snack vending.

Domingo, 42, a parent from Siargao Island, received the needed support through the DILP to start and grow his sari-sari store in their locality. "This is an additional income for my family, especially since my children are still in school," Domingo said. He added that government interventions, such as DOLE's DILP, prioritize the welfare of children, especially in their studies.

In a statement, DOLE-13 Regional Director Jason Balais emphasized that the DILP assistance was released in support of the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) of the agency. "This is part of the agency's initiatives to support families of identified child laborers through the guidance of Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino," Balais said. Through the DILP and CLPEP, help to generate sustainable sources of income are ensured among parents and guardians, allowing their children to remain in schools instead of engaging in labor work, he added.