In celebration of Children’s Month, a total of 100 child laborers and their families received gifts comprised of school supplies, hygiene kits, and food packs during the Project Angel Tree event held Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Tacloban City Hall.

Organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in partnership with the City Government of Tacloban, the initiative launched in the early 2000s, aims to support child laborers and work toward eradicating child labor.

Councilor Aimee Grafil, the Committee Chair on Women, Children, and Family Relations, delivered a message on behalf of Mayor Alfred Romualdez, reaffirming the city government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children. The event was also made possible through the generosity of several sponsors, including Liga ng mga Barangay President Raymund Romualdez and city council members Leo Bahin, Jeric Dane Granados, Bryan Steve Granados, Christopher Esperas, and Edson Malaki.

Aside from receiving gifts, family members of child laborers listened to a brief discussion on the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act and Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

PESO Manager Ruena Mate thanked the benefactors and urged the Taclobanons to help protect the younger generation.

“It is a call to action for all of us to continue building a society where children are free to dream, and families are empowered to thrive,” Mate noted.