No Child Labor, No Child Abuse!

The City Government of Valenzuela through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), launched back-to-back programs for Valenzuelano job seekers and children workers — the citywide Local and Overseas Mega Job Fair and the anti-child labor initiative “Project Angel Tree” — at the Event Center of SM City Valenzuela, September 25, 2024.

Several Valenzuelano job seekers sought career opportunities at this month’s Local and Overseas Mega Job Fair, organized by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). A total of 28 local companies from different industries and 5 overseas-based companies are currently hiring walk-in applicants. Simultaneously, the program was also a “one-stop-shop” for all pre-employment services such as SSS, PSA, Philhealth,TESDA, Project AYOS, and PAGIBIG, among others.

As it concluded, the Mega Job Fair yielded 942 registered job applicants. a total of 200 job seekers — 92 male applicants and 108 female applicants —  who were hired on the spot. On the other hand, the One-Stop-Shop catered to 189 applicants for pre-employment services.

Alongside the one-day job fair, the “Project Angel Tree” initiative was also launched. Project Angel Tree, a component of the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program of DOLE, is an anti-child labor initiative wherein social services are provided for documented child workers. This program also provides an opportunity for these laborers to enjoy their leisure time as a child and momentarily set aside their responsibilities.

46 profiled child laborers in Valenzuela City were the beneficiaries of the program. The LGU partnered with SM City Valenzuela and several benefactors from local private industries and non-government agencies and they distributed food, school supplies, and gift packs for the beneficiaries. The educational playground Kidzoona also sponsored free playtime for the children and lunch and other gift packs were courtesy of Jollibee. 

Mayoress Tiffany Gatchalian, Councilors Niña Lopez, and Ricar Enriquez, representatives from DOLE NCR-CAMANAVA, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns, CSWDO, PESO, Rotary Club of Valenzuela, and Valenzuela Lions Club all collectively signed the ZERO CHILD-LABOR MANIFESTO; standing in solidarity to do what it means to fight and eliminate child labor in the Philippines and raise awareness.

Project Angel Tree is a campaign that envisions a country free from child labor. Though Valenzuela City may still harbor documented child workers, this program initiative was a driving force that solidifies the city’s endeavors of completely eradicating child labor through constantly addressing the perpetuating issues of labor and employment. For instance, the City Government also conducted an orientation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program to the parents of the aforementioned child laborers. This emergency employment initiative aims to provide parents with the means to sustain their needs and, eventually, withdraw their children from labor and have them focus on their education instead.

The city government commits itself to empowering the children — most especially those hailing less fortunate families — and working towards building an environment that nurtures them. For every child to grow up accordingly and not bear the burden of responsibility to provide for their families are the key aspirations of Valenzuela City.

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