CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has set aside P3.15 million to fund its Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) which will be implemented in the province of Kalinga this year.
Avelina Manganip, head of the DOLE-Kalinga provincial office, said the program provides financial assistance to parents of identified child laborers. This aims to encourage these parents to start a small business or livelihood venture that will generate income to support their family’s needs so that their children will no longer be required to work.
Beneficiaries are granted a maximum of P30,000, based on the livelihood project they propose. The financial aid under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program is not released in cash, but in goods, items or raw materials.
Livelihood projects may include sari-sari stores, hollow-block making, carpentry, hog raising, among others.
The DOLE has tied up with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units in the identification and profiling of target beneficiaries.
DOLE will conduct regular monitoring to ensure sustainability of the projects. (JDP/LL-PIA CAR, Kalinga)