CABARROGUIS, Quirino (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently turned over Kabuhayan starter kits to 47 parents of child laborers in Quirino province.

Wendy Salazar, information officer, said the program benefitted 13 recipients from Aglipay town, 14 from Cabarroguis, two from Diffun, 14 from Maddela, and four from Nagtipunan.

“The children of the recipients were profiled as child laborers in 2019, and most of them are now studying, but there are still a few who are working,” Salazar said.

Salazar said the kits include various tools, equipment, and materials needed to start small businesses likeas selling of barbecued meat, bread making, carpentry services, and dress-making.

“Each livelihood starter kit is tailor-fitted to the specific skills and interests of the recipients, ensuring that they have the means to generate sustainable income.

In his message, Regional Director Jesus Elpidio B. Atal, Jr. said that the distribution was made possible through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Project, which aims to provide beneficiaries with an additional source of income as they enhance their skills in operating their businesses, uplift their economic condition, and prevent children from being engaged in hazardous work.

DOLE Quirino field office head Geraldine Labayani said the initiative extends beyond the individual families receiving the livelihood starter kits.

“By supporting parents in setting up their respective businesses, this initiative also contributes to local economic development and job creation, which can have ripple effects within the province,” she said.

Meanwhile, Renato Domantay, a canteen operator and one of the recipients, thanked DOLE for providing kabuhayan kits, saying that these are vital to improving and sustaining their livelihood venture. 

“The amount we saved from buying kitchen utensils will be used as additional capital for our business,” Domantay said. (OTB/TCB/PIA-2, QUIRINO)