Project Angel Tree of DOLE backs fight vs. child labor

To gather and grant wishes of child laborers in the country, the Department of Labor and Employment has launched the "Project Angel Tree" to build up a network of patrons and supporters to the national efforts against child labor. The project, which was launched in different DOLE offices around the country, aims to protect and advance the welfare of children aged 17 and below under the National Program Against Child Labor.

Labor Secretary Arturo Brion said that the project endeavors to get to the heart of the wishes of child laborers, adding that it is a vehicle for child laborers through which they can articulate their wishes for assistance.

Brion said the wishes of the project's initial beneficiaries included educational and livelihood assistance and new clothes and food for Noche Buena.

In a press statement, the labor official called on employers and workers groups and other well-meaning organizations and individuals in communities where child labor is prevalent to support the project and grant the wishes of the child workers.

"Project Angel Tree is an opportunity for us to share and give happiness to another disadvantaged sector of our society - the children who are forced by circumstances to work and earn a living to support themselves and their families," Brion said.

He explained that the project is an attempt to improve the economic and social conditions of child laborers and their families and increase allies and advocates of child labor elimination. Patrons and supporters of the project are symbolically represented by an angel tree bearing a broad array of services that shall be made available to child laborers and their families.

Brion said the labor department shall serve as a broker between those wanting assistance and those willing to extend the needed assistance.

The project is being managed by DOLE's Bureau of Women and Young Workers under director Cynthia Cruz. Cruz said that the project has initially gathered the wishes of a total of 90 child laborers in a Wish Registry. The name, age, and gender of the children were culled from NGOs and other partners. These groups included the Alliance of Concerned Teachers and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.

She said that most of the children wished for educational assistance while some want livelihood assistance and medical services for the sick members of their family. The others want new clothes and food for the Christmas celebration.

Interested groups and individuals wanting to know and grant the wishes of the child laborers may visit the nearest DOLE regional office in their area. - Wenna A. Berondo/MEEV