BOAC, Marinduque (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Marinduque has recently provided livelihood kits to 15 individuals including 11 parents of child laborers.

Each beneficiary received a livelihood package worth P30,000 for their rice and fodder retailing, food vending, frozen food products retailing, and bread and pastry business.

"I am very happy because I am one of the recipients of these livelihood kits which I will utilize and develop," said Jesus Rey Pineda, a 63-year-old beneficiary from Lamesa, Sta. Cruz.

Jenalyn Malapad, a 38-year old seamstress from the same barangay, was also delighted as she mentioned that the received business package would greatly help in supporting her children's education.

"I am in tears because I did not expect to receive something like this. This is truly a huge help. Rest assured that all of my children will be able to finish their studies with the help of this business, so that we won't have to struggle to make ends meet. We will work hard to make it prosper," said Malapad.

According to DOLE provincial director Philip Alano, this initiative is not just about providing additional livelihood, but also an added opportunity for the people of Marinduque to enhance and develop their entrepreneurial skills.

With the assistance of Livelihood Development Specialists Christian Mark Rodelas and Michelle Zulueta, and Community Facilitator Lessiedhel Morillo, the department continues its initiative to remove minors from early labor and to help improve their lives and families.

Under the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), the department aims to assist parents in avoiding the necessity of having their young children perform heavy work by providing livelihood opportunities. This aligns with the country's goal of becoming a child-labor-free Philippines. (RAMJR/PIA Mimaropa - Marinduque)