CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — At least 19 parents and guardians of identified child laborers in Cavite received livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region IV-A through its Cavite Provincial Office.
Beneficiaries received a total of P373,571.10 in livelihood assistance, consisting of starter kits for small enterprises such as sari-sari stores, eateries, street food vending, and frozen goods reselling.
In a statement, DOLE Cavite Provincial Director Marivic Martinez said the initiative reflects the DOLE’s continued efforts to eliminate child labor and to help create a future where every Filipino child is free to learn, play, and dream.
“The livelihood assistance aims to ease the financial burden on vulnerable families and ensure that children stay in school and out of hazardous or exploitative labor. More than just livelihood support, the intervention is a meaningful step toward breaking the cycle of poverty and helping these children become true Batang Malaya,” Martinez said.
She also emphasized to parents and guardians of child laborers that they must sustain the livelihood package awarded to them and ensure that their children will no longer engage in any kind of work.
“Alagaan at paunlarin n’yo po itong pinagkaloob ng DOLE sa inyo, pero higit sa lahat, hindi na pwede at dapat hindi na babalik ang mga anak n’yo sa pagtatrabaho,” Martinez stressed.
“Ang focus dapat nila ay una, studies, kaya dapat pagbutihin ang pag-handle nito, para may pantustos kayo sa pangangailangan ng mga anak n’yo at, huli, ay ma-enjoy nila ang pagiging bata nila. Dapat naglalaro sila sa playground, hindi iyong nagwo-work kung saan,” she added.
According to DOLE, child labor remains a deep-rooted social issue in the Philippines, often fueled by poverty and lack of livelihood opportunities. Many children are forced to trade classrooms for construction sites, kitchens, or farms, missing out on their right to education, safety, and proper development.
“DOLE’s ongoing interventions are a clear recognition that eradicating child labor requires more than enforcement, it demands empowerment. By equipping parents and guardians with viable means of income, DOLE helps ensure that children can return to school, reclaim their childhood, and pursue their dreams,” DOLE Calabarzon said in a statement.
For parents like Grace Romerica, the assistance is more than just financial — it’s a second chance for their children.
“Bilang isang magulang, wala nang mas masakit pa kaysa sa makitang ang anak mo ay kinakailangang tumigil sa pag-aaral at magtrabaho dahil sa kakulangan sa kabuhayan. Pero sa tulong ng DOLE Cavite na livelihood assistance na ito, muling nabigyan kami ng pag-asa. Maraming salamat po sa DOLE sa tulong,” she said.
A child beneficiary, Emily (not her real name), shared how the program changed her life: “Maraming, maraming salamat po sa pagbibigay sa amin ng panibagong simula. Hindi na po ako nagtitinda ng candy, maglalako ng tuyo at tinapa. Pangako ko po, mag-aaral ako nang mabuti at gagamitin ko ang ikalawang pagkakataong ito para tuparin ang aking mga pangarap. Sana po mas marami pa kayong matulungan na kagaya ko.”
Through programs like DOLE’s livelihood assistance and the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program, the government affirms its goal of uplifting the most vulnerable sectors, fostering economic self-reliance, and ensuring that no Filipino child is forced to work at the expense of education and well-being. (with reports from DOLE 4A)