DOLE grants livelihood funds for
child-labor vulnerable families

ANDA, Bohol (PIA)—On the country’s 128th Independence Day, the Department of Labor and Employment of Bohol Field Office turned over livelihood fund support to Isla Kuratan Fisherfolk Association, while reinforcing the campaign to keep children of this fisherfolk organization freed from the need to going out to sea to help earn for the family.

While local governments across the country gather for the ceremonial activities commemorating the country’s independence, about 100 children identified as vulnerable to child labor, along with their parents in this resort town, gathered inside the Anda Cultural Center to top-bill the local commemoration of the World Day against Child Labor, June 12, 2026.

As part of the country’s campaign against child labor prevention and elimination, DOLE, as joined by national government agency partners also packed information and service caravan serving parents of kids and Anda residents coming in for the event.

DOLE Bohol represented by Labor Employment Officer Atty. Reina Rachel Pestillos, turned over P571,610.00 to the fisherfolk organization from nearby Guinacot Guindulman.

DOLE Bohol livelihood development specialist Alfred Arcaya said the fisherfolks proposed an all season fishing activity, which the DOLE also funded.

The turn-over also formed as a sample for Anda, whose child labor vulnerable kids as profiled by the government, and their parents whose economic conditions could have unfortunately acted as prime condition for child labor.

While the society honors child work, Atty. Pestillos explained that child work refers to light age-appropriate work done to train children on work ethics, while child labor refers to harmful, exploitative work which interferes with a child’s development.

Child work helps child learn skills, responsibility and in return, may earn pocket money, and the work is usually done for limited hours and under safe conditions, she explained.

On the other hand, child labor deprives children of their livelihood, education, health and dignity.

In coastal communities of Bohol where fishing is the primary livelihood, families sometimes unknowingly involve kids in the hazardous and strenuous job of fishing, often causing kids to miss school.

Anda mayor Angelina Simacio welcomed the visiting team as well as her residents to the activity which her town hosted.

In the event, Anda Public Employment Service Office manager Mary Grace Lacao led the officials in reciting the Panatang Makabata, while Atty Pestillos, acting for Bohol Labor Employment Office Chief Vivencio Lagahid with the Regional Council Against Child Labor members and stakeholders signed the pledge of commitment to fight child labor.

Department of Health (DOH) development officer nurse Ryard Jude Pepito talked about Responsible parenthood and handling teen agers in this generation, in yet another bid to keep stakeholders informed about situations and conditions ripe for child labor and educating children and teens on their responsibilities and social graces.

The day capped with the Project Angel Tree Ceremonial Distribution of school supplies and kiddie packs to the children beneficiaries by DOLE and NGA partner representatives.

A simultaneous service caravan also happened with the partner agencies dispensing frontline services for parents while the children beneficiaries had Larong Pinoy, to cap their independence day event in 2026. (PIABohol).

LIVELIHOOD FUNDS TO KEEP KIDS OFF FISHING. The DOLE handed to Isla Kuratan Fishermen’s Organization half a million in funds for all season fishing activities, in the hope of getting children from accompanying parents out to sea where the environment is risky, the work is hard and the kid’s education is usually affected. (PIAbohol)