Ang Pahayagan

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Zambales Field Office, in collaboration with key government and academic partners, successfully conducted an Information and Service Caravan on the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) on September 19, 2025, in Castillejos, Zambales.

The caravan was a proactive initiative that reinforced the Department’s continuous commitment to eradicating all forms of child labor. It empowered the community through a comprehensive program of education, direct assistance, and service provision.

The event’s central components included a vital orientation on Republic Act 9231, the landmark legislation that provides for the elimination of the worst forms of child labor and affords stronger protection for the working child. This was complemented by a discussion on the specific guidelines for assessing hazardous work for individuals under 18 years of age.

A significant highlight of the day was the distribution of Livelihood Kits under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) to 28 parents of child laborers. This direct assistance provided sustainable economic opportunities for families, addressing the root causes of child labor.

Beyond livelihood support, the caravan offered holistic family aid. This included the distribution of support packages from the Provincial Government of Zambales and a medical check-up for families of child laborers, which was conducted by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Castillejos.