BORONGAN CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment - Eastern Samar Field Office (DOLE-ESFO) conducted Project Angel Tree for child laborers cum Orientation on Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) recently at the Municipal Gymnasium of Jipapad, Eastern Samar.
During the program, some 100 child laborers accompanied by their parents received 5 kilos of rice, one box of Vitamin C, and one cotton jacket with hoody for the parents of child laborers from 4Ps Party-list Representative Marcelino C. Libanan.
Meanwhile, school supplies worth P25,000 was also given by Rep. Ma. Fe R. Abunda of the Lone District of Eastern Samar,
The said child laborers were also given a hygiene kit with big towel, half dozen coffee, canned goods, 5 kilos of rice, and 150 food packs for the participants from Local Government Unit of Jipapad.
Also, during the activity, the Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School (ESNCHS) in Borongan City gave 50 chicken fillet meals with drinks, 50 Mcdonald's toys, and prizes for the raffles such as toys, educational materials, biscuits, chocolates, soaps, and others.
The Department of Education (DepEd) Region 8 gave snack packs to the participants and used clothing was also given by various benefactors.
According to Christine Mae B. Estidola, Child Labor Program Community facilitator, one of the highlights of the activity was the presence of McDonald's mascot and his graceful dance moves which brought so much joy and fun to all guests and participants, especially the child laborers with the experience of hugging and picture taking with the mascot.
The parents of the child laborers also enjoy the activity, where some parents claimed that it was their first time to taste the delicious McDonald's chicken fillet and drinks.
The chief of Labor and Employment Officer (LEO) and head of ESFO, Fe Norma D. Valuis, said that Project Angel Tree is a component of the DOLE's CLPEP that provides an array of assistance and services that may include food, clothing, educational supplies, and even work and training opportunities made available by sponsors and benefactors "angel" to child laborers and their parents.
"Child laborers find themselves dropping out of school so that they could work to supplement the family income or simply support themselves," Valuis said.
She further said the child laborers were identified through the assigned community facilitators in DOLE-ESFO by profiling vulnerable child laborers in different barangays in Eastern Samar.
Project Angel aims to uplift the lives of child laborers and return them back to school for their education through livelihood and employment opportunities for their parents.
"Project Angel Tree" is also a manifestation of the joint efforts of the government and the private sector in keeping children away from dangerous workplaces. (MMP/SDC/PIA Eastern Samar)
