On February 4, 2025, the Department of Labor and Employment-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR) provided ten parents of child laborers in Itogon with livelihood starter kits worth P30,000 each under its Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program.
A turnover ceremony was led by DOLE-CAR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Olivia O. Obrero-Samson, Itogon Municipal Administrator Arnel F. Bahingawan representing Mayor Bernard S. Waclin, and Councilor Norberto I. Pacio, Chairman of the Livelihood Committee.
The livelihood starter kits were tailored to meet the needs and skills of the recipients and included resources for businesses such as rice retailing, eateries, bakeries, piggeries, and frozen food vending. This support is provided as a one-time grant, with DOLE-CAR to continuously monitor the beneficiaries.
According to Itogon Public Employment Service Officer (PESO) Donna T. Comising, eight of the beneficiaries are from Barangay Virac, while two are from Barangay Poblacion. The profiled child laborers were reported to be working on farms and construction sites.
DOLE’s Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program aims to withdraw children from labor and reintegrate them into schools by empowering their families through sustainable livelihood opportunities.
