TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- In time with the observance of the 125th Philippine Independence Day, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Surigao del Sur headed by Provincial Director Genebelle Bal, in partnership with the provincial and Tandag City Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), celebrated the 2023 World Day Against Child Labor at the Vicente T. Pimentel Jr. Muti-Purpose Hall, Capitol Hills in Tandag City on June 12, 2023.

Some 100 children comprising of 75 child laborers and 25 Badjao children were invited and participated in the said activity. They received school's supplies, hygiene kits, family packs, and rice.

On the same day, the participants availed of the several services dubbed as "Kinds Town" offered by DOLE, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Philippine National Police, and the provincial government of Surigao del Sur, through the Provincial Health Office and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, and the Tandag City Social Welfare and Development Office.

Meanwhile, the parents underwent an orientation on programs such as Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES). Thereafter, the parents of the child laborers signed the TUPAD contract of service.

First District Representative Romeo S. Momo Sr., and Governor Alexander T. Pimentel, ably represented by ex-officio member and Philippine Councilors' League President,  John Paul C. Pimentel attended the event. (Nida Grace Barcena/PIA-Surigao del Sur)