Creating Better Economic Opportunities for Families
LEYTE - A livelihood assistance program in Sogod, Southern Leyte is giving vulnerable families additional opportunities to improve their financial situation. The Department of Labor and Employment in Eastern Visayas distributed PHP3.6 million worth of assistance to 120 parents of child laborers through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program. The turnover was carried out in partnership with the Sogod local government as part of efforts to address economic conditions that can contribute to child labor. By helping parents establish or strengthen sources of income, the program aims to provide families with more sustainable ways of meeting their daily needs. The initiative also supports the broader goal of creating an environment where children can focus on their education rather than being required to work.
Livelihood Packages Designed Around Local Skills
The assistance was customized according to the beneficiaries' selected livelihood activities, allowing families to pursue enterprises that match their skills and available opportunities. Recipients received tools, equipment, and materials for activities ranging from barbershop services, dressmaking, carpentry, and vending to farming, poultry raising, tilapia production, welding, and vulcanizing. Other supported activities include painting services, ice cream and peanut butter production, and small digital businesses such as Piso Wi-Fi. Providing practical starter resources allows beneficiaries to begin new ventures or improve existing livelihood activities without having to shoulder the entire initial cost themselves. The range of supported enterprises also reflects the different skills and economic opportunities available within Sogod communities.
Helping Parents Become More Financially Independent
The program's approach places parents at the center of efforts to address child labor by strengthening their capacity to earn income. When households have more reliable livelihood opportunities, parents can have greater capacity to provide food, education, and other essential needs for their children. The assistance also encourages beneficiaries to build enterprises that can potentially continue generating income after the initial government support has been provided. Local government involvement is important in helping families navigate additional services and support that may be available in their communities. Through cooperation between national agencies and local authorities, beneficiaries can receive assistance that goes beyond the initial livelihood package.
