DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, June 29 (PIA) -- Some 169 child laborers including school children in Ayungon town received assistance through the "Project Angel Tree" of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

In observance of this year’s World Day Against Child Labor, the DOLE here distributed green backpacks filled with school supplies, hygiene kits, among others to each child.

The said project intends to create a network of "Angels" or sponsors who are committed to assist child laborers and their families.  

The annual gift-giving activity of DOLE seeks to create a grid of child welfare advocates to grant the wishes of children and ensure that their education, health, and welfare are prioritized.

Ruby Farms in Paniqui, Tarlac, a regular benefactor, is supporting the project as a way of giving back to the communities where Migratory Sugar Farm Workers or Sakadas who work in Ruby Farms come from Negros Oriental.

Said sakadas were hired pursuant to DOLE-Department Order 159 Series of 2016.

The Ruby Farms advocates against the incidence of child labor, calling it as “Eat to beat child labor” by treating the children to a sumptuous lunch.

According to DOLE-NOFO Officer in Charge Ma. Teresas Tanquiamco, the town of Ayungon is 3rd in the highest incidence of child labor based on the 2022 profiling.

Tanquiamco said that the strong partnership of DOLE, communities, parents and the local government unit of Ayungon play an important role in the elimination of child labor in the municipality.

Meanwhile, the Hiniusang Planters Association of Cental Negros, Inc. (HIPACEN), another regular partner of Project Angel Tree since 2016, sponsored a hands-on training on rag making and provided starter kits to 13 parents of child laborers in Brgy. Manogtong.

Rosita Timone, parent of child laborer, expressed her gratitude, describing the activity as heaven-sent for she gained the skill of rag-making which could potentially augment her family's income.

Timone also announced that her child is now attending school.

The parents organized themselves into an association known as the Child Labor Parents Women Association, with Rosita Timone serving as their president.

The activity also offered free haircut services to children from the Philippine National Police, Jollibee mascot, and a performance by Scott the Magician, and fun games with prizes for the children. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from DOLE)