The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) in the Caraga Region provided P10.1 million in livelihood assistance to 552 parents and guardians of child laborers in the Dinagat and Siargao islands through July, agency officials said.

The grants, distributed under the DoLE Integrated Livelihood Program, aim to address the financial pressures that drive child labor by helping families launch small businesses.

In the Dinagat Islands, 114 parents received P1.9 million in funding.

“The support will help my family survive amid difficult times and ensure that my children will continue to attend school,” said Elena, a 27-year-old mother of three and program beneficiary from Dinagat.

In Siargao Island, 438 parents and guardians received P8.2 million in assistance.

Livelihood packages included merchandise for neighborhood sundry stores, baking and cooking supplies, rice for retail, fruit vending carts, fishing gear, boat engines, and equipment for frozen food sales.

“This is an additional income for my family, especially since my children are still in school,” said Domingo, a beneficiary from Siargao who received support to open a neighborhood store.

DoLE Caraga regional director Jason Balais said the grants support the agency’s Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program under the guidance of Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino.

Balais added that providing sustainable income sources for parents allows children to remain enrolled in school rather than entering the workforce.