DOLE-8 celebrates World Day Against Child Labor with Project Angel Tree

DOLE-8 gave gifts and fun activities to 400 children from Eastern Visayas as part of its Project Angel Tree initiative to mark the World Day Against Child Labor on June 12, 2023. Photo: DOLE-8/Facebook

TACLOBAN CITY – On June 12, 2023, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 8 celebrated the World Day Against Child Labor by conducting Project Angel Tree activities in six different locations in Eastern Visayas. The project aims to assist and protect children at risk or involved in child labor.

The project's beneficiaries were 400 children from Ormoc City; Sogod, Southern Leyte; Naval, Biliran; Tarangnan, Samar; Jipapad, Eastern Samar; and Catarman, Northern Samar. They received food packs, grocery items, and school supplies, and enjoyed magic, puppet shows, and various games. They were also accompanied by their parents and guardians, who were oriented on the importance of education and the prevention of child labor.

DOLE-8 Director Henry John S. Jalbuena expressed his gratitude to all the partners and donors who supported the project and helped make the children happy. He also reiterated the department's commitment to end child labor and promote social justice for all.

Among the partners and donors who contributed to the project were Governor Gerard Roger Espina of the Province of Biliran; Mayor Shefferd Lino Tan of LGU-Sogod; Mayor Benjamin E. Ver, M.D., of LGU-Jipapad, Eastern Samar; Mayor Danilo Tan of LGU-Tarangnan, Samar; Mayor Matt Toreres of LGU-Kananga, Leyte; Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP); and AMOEC Multipurpose Cooperative.

The World Day Against Child Labor is an annual international day on June 12 to raise awareness and action to eliminate child labor. It was declared by the International Labor Organization (ILO) in 2002. In 2023, the day's theme is "Social Justice for All. End Child Labor!" —iTacloban