TACLOBAN CITY-In celebration of this year’s World Day Against Child Labor with the theme, “Buong Bansa, Lahat ng Bata, Sama-sama para sa Batang Malaya”, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. 8 through its North Leyte Field Office (NLFO), conducted a Project Angel Tree activity on June 12, 2023 at Robinson North, Abucay, this city.

The activity, held in convergence with the Regional Council Against Child Labor-Eastern Visayas (RCACL-EV), brought so much fun and benefitted 100 profiled child laborers from the municipalities of Tanauan and Tolosa in Leyte.

Engr. Emmanuel Y. de la Cruz, Head of NLFO, shared that through the support of the RCACL-EV and other benefactors or “angels”, each child received grocery packs, a backpack full of school supplies, one sack of 25kg rice, assorted toys, clothes, vitamins, and hygiene kits.

Also, 86 parents and guardians of the child laborers were awarded during the event, certificates of entitlement to a Rice Retailing Project worth P28,000 each under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

Alexis Yu, representing Rep.Yedda Marie Romualdez of the Tingog party-list, graced the activity together with DSWD-8 Regional Director Grace Subong, DOLE-8 Regional Director Henry John S. Jalbuena, and Assistant Regional Director Norman L. Uyvico.

Director Jalbuena thanked all the benefactors or ‘angels’ who donated for the said event to be realized. He likewise gave some words of encouragement to the children.
“To our children, we hope to give you that fresh ray of hope that will bring out the best in you and lead you to greater heights”, said Jalbuena.

Meanwhile, Director Subong, as vice-chair of the RCACL-EV, expressed continued commitment to ending child labor in the region.

“Ang DSWD po ay kaisa ng DOLE na tugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kabataan lalo na ang tiyakin na sila ay malaya mula sa child labor,” said Subong.
Aside from the gifts, the children were likewise treated to some fun activities such as puppet show, magic show, and fun games, while their parents were given orientation on some of the DOLE’s programs and services. The DENR Mascot also brought happiness when it had a special dance number.

To cap the activity, a symbolic signing of the pledge of commitment was done by the different members of the RCACL-EV in support to a Child-Labor Free Philippines.
Simultaneous Project Angel Tree activities were also conducted by the different Field Offices of DOLE-8 in Ormoc City, Maasin City, Naval, Biliran, Catbalogan City, Borongan City and Catarman, Northern Samar, benefitting a total of 350 child laborers.

The Project Angel Tree is a component of the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program of the department which aims to improve economic and social conditions of the child laborer through provision of social services that range from food, clothing, educational supplies, and even work and training opportunities.(PR)

Tacloban City – Save the Children Philippines, in partnership with the European Union, WESADEF, and LEFADO, launched an empowering initiative called Project ADDVOICE in Eastern Visayas today. The project aims to create safer and more inclusive environments for young adolescents in Mayorga, MacArthur, Abuyog, Javier, Gandara, Matuguinao, Pagsanjan, and San Jorge.

At the grand launch held in Tacloban City’s Summit Hotel, key stakeholders, government officials, and community leaders gathered to mark this significant milestone. Project ADDVOICE will provide comprehensive programs and services focusing on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), gender equality, and child protection to address critical issues faced by young adolescents, particularly girls.

With teenage pregnancy and sexual violence against children as pressing challenges in the region, Project ADDVOICE comes at a crucial time. The initiative will equip young adolescents with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health while protecting themselves from violence.

Atty. Alberto Jesus Muyot, the Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines, expressed gratitude to the European Union for their generous support and partnership with WESADEF, LEFADO, DOH, POPCOM, DepEd, DSWD and the LGUs of Mayorga, MacArthur, Abuyog, Javier, Gandara, Matuguinao, Pagsanjan, and San Jorge in making ADDVOICE a reality. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in creating a better future for the young adolescents of Eastern Visayas.

Over the next three years, Project ADDVOICE will focus on community mobilization, capacity building of service providers, and strengthening local government mechanisms for meaningful adolescent participation in SRHR and child protection programs. By bridging gaps in access to quality services and age-appropriate information, the project aims to empower young individuals and foster their active engagement in their communities.
Eastern Visayas faces unique challenges, such as limited access to Adolescent-Friendly Health Facilities and insufficient data on adolescent sexual and reproductive health. However, through Project ADDVOICE, Save the Children Philippines is committed to overcoming these obstacles and driving positive change.

As the launch event concluded, participants expressed their excitement and anticipation for the transformative impact of ADDVOICE on the lives of young adolescents in Eastern Visayas. Save the Children Philippines remains dedicated to working alongside communities, government agencies, and civil society organizations to empower young adolescents, advocate for their rights, and create a violence-free and inclusive society where every child can thrive.

Part of the town’s 73rd founding anniversary celebration

KANANGA, Leyte– This town, home to the country’s biggest geothermal power, is turning 75 years old on June 17 has just launched its first ever cultural festival on Saturday (June 11).

Students from elementary and secondary public schools across the town joined the ‘Kananga Kaanyag Festival’ with prizes at stake.

The cultural festival showcases the history and culture of the town, where the Tongonan geothermal power is located and help power the Visayas and parts of Luzon, through dances and ritual presentations.

Mayor Manuel Vicente Torres said that with the launching of the Kananga Kaanyag Festival, he hopes that this will not only result for the young generations to know and appreciate the history and culture of their town but also pave the way for more tourists to visit Kananga, a town of more than 80,000 people.

“Kaanyag does not only refer here as physical beauty but also mean the beauty of the town itself. So, for me, today is historical because we will be launching the first ever (cultural) festival of Kananga,” he said Saturday.

For this endeavor, the municipal government sought support from the National Historical Commission for Culture and the Arts as well as from the regional office of the Department of Tourism.

For the initial presentation of the Kananga Kaanyag Festival, the municipal government has allocated a ‘modest amount’ of P1.5 million, Torres said.

The festival will now be conducted as one of the highlights of the town’s founding anniversary on June 17 of every year.

Karina Rosa Tiopes, the DOT regional director, said that she is happy that the town has now its own official cultural festival.

“Festivals are reflections of our tradition and culture and way of life. That is why, we at the DOT help promote festivals. But these festivals must be based on a research and not just a mere playground demonstration,” she said.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)