DOLE focuses on poverty alleviation on Independence Day

In celebration of the 126th Independence Day on June 12, 2024, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 6 will conduct various activities to promote poverty alleviation and a child labor-free Philippines.

The events include a job fair, Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers, TUPAD payouts, and the release of livelihood assistance to parents of child laborers.

With this year’s theme, “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan,” DOLE aims to provide job and livelihood opportunities to both formal and informal workers, addressing underserved and hard-to-reach sectors.

As of now, 6,721 job vacancies have been registered from 54 local companies for the Job Fair at SM City Bacolod. More opportunities are expected as additional companies express their intention to participate.

DOLE RO 6 has also organized the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Para sa Manggagawa in all six provinces of the region. A total of 196 enterprises will offer fresh agricultural produce, processed foods, and locally manufactured products at low prices.

The event provides a venue for local farmers and producers and creates employment opportunities for 327 sellers/TUPAD beneficiaries, supported by a Php741,450 TUPAD package.

Focusing on the marginalized sector, DOLE will conduct a simultaneous TUPAD payout for 27,959 informal workers across all provinces on Independence Day. A total of Php146,367,484 will be disbursed for workers’ wages, PPEs, and GSIS group personal accident insurance.

The “Batang Malaya Celebration” is DOLE’s symbolic Independence Day activity, highlighting efforts to free marginalized sectors from poverty and eliminate child labor.

As an active member of the National Council Against Child Labor, DOLE supports initiatives like Project Angel Tree and other programs under the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program.

Livelihood assistance is a key initiative to keep children away from child labor. Checks will be released for various projects benefiting 101 individuals, including 65 parents of child laborers and marginalized fisherfolk, as well as a sewing project for Hamod People’s Village Homeowners.

In addition to livelihood assistance, provincial DOLE offices will conduct Project Angel Tree, providing social services to remind child laborers they are not alone. Benefactors, or “angels,” will share school supplies, food packs, and personal gifts.

“As we celebrate the country’s 126th Independence Day, we focus on breaking the chain of poverty, which forces children into labor and deprives them of education and rights,” said Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr. “Providing job opportunities and livelihood support to the informal sector is our way to improve their economic status. Jobs and livelihood mean food on their table and education for their children.”