Vergel Rapin Jr., chairman of the social committee of LIPCI, has rightly emphasized the significance of the first fun run activity in expanding the beneficiaries of DOLE's Project Angel Tree program.

“In Laguna, we have more or less 2,500 child laborers and I think we only have 300 to 400 child laborers who benefit from the Project Angel Tree program, that is why we will conduct the Project Angel Tree Eco Run activity as its proceeds will be directed to expand the beneficiaries of the said program,” Rapin stated.

Project Angel Tree is a regular program of DOLE that aims to provide assistance in addressing their current vital needs and support to child laborers and their families, by ensuring their right to education, livelihood opportunities, and other essential resources for long term solution.

Rapin acknowledged the continuous voluntary support from companies and industries in the province and the region in providing vital assistance to child laborers and for the development of their families.

“In Laguna, industries and companies are very supportive in every project we implement. They continue to provide financial assistance, especially to DOLE’s so-called angels [child laborers]. This year, we are aiming for more programs that will give our angels and their families comfort like scholarship programs to alleviate poverty in the province,” he said.

He then calls for the participation of individuals from all walks of life to contribute to projects that seek to assure a future where all children have the opportunity to thrive free from the hardships of labor exploitation.