BOAC, Marinduque (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently commemorated World Day Against Child Labor in the province.
A total of 46 selected children from six towns in Marinduque received gifts along with the celebration which was spearheaded by DOLE-Marinduque Provincial Field Office.
Said activity is part of the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLEP) which aims to raise awareness about child labor and meet the needs of each child and their family with the help of various programs of the government.
Present in the activity were Gov. Presbitero Velasco, Jr., Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Juan Fernandez, Boac Municipal Administrator Carlo Jacinto, and DOLE Senior Labor Employment Officer Shirley Marie Quiñones who delivered a message of collaboration to give equal opportunities to every child and curb child labor.
Also, present and giving their support were Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Head Joel Recella, Livelihood Manpower Development and Public Service Office (LMD-PESO) Provincial Manager Alma Timtiman, Torrijos PESO Designate Mark Anthony Zulueta and Santa Cruz PESO Designate Maria Elena Domingo.
Aside from bags, school supplies, shoes, slippers, and uniforms, the visit of the mascots of the Philippine National Police, Aling Pulis, and Mamang Pulis led by Mogpog Chief of Police Abner Mauzar gave comfort to those present. The children also danced on the accompaniment of the 'Batang Malaya' dance and participated in various games such as 'lato-lato,' pencil, and straw relay.
Private individuals, government officials, and DOLE staff also helped and provided support and gifts for the children such as bags, handkerchiefs, tumblers, balls, tablets, scooters, and bicycles.
During the activity, DOLE Community Facilitator Lessiedhel Morillo shared about the advocacy of the CLPEP program and differentiated child work and child labor.
JP, an 11-year-old boy from Brgy. Lamesa, Santa Cruz was grateful for the program and blessings that he received.
In response, JP's parents promised that they will support their children's education towards the fulfillment of their dreams in life. JP will graduate from elementary school this year with second honors and his mother is set to receive a rice and livelihood kit from the agency. (RAMJR/AMKDA/PIA Mimaropa-Marinduque)
