The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through the Sectoral Unit, successfully launches the Strategic Helpdesks for Information, Education, Livelihood and other Developmental Interventions (SHIELD) Against Child Labor Program, through a MOA Signing with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Miguel at San Miguel Multi-purpose Hall, Surigao del Sur (SDS), today, August 31, 2023.
DSWD National Focal Person for SHIELD Against Child Labor Joseph Salavarria took the opportunity to explain the mission of the program which focuses on strengthening efforts at the local level including establishment of help desks and a local registry on child labor in which referral mechanisms and convergence of support services are imbedded.
In addition, advocacy and capacity building to increase awareness and capacities of the clientele group and the duty-bearers to enable them to provide appropriate and immediate interventions to child laborers and their families.
The MOA signing ceremony was executed by San Miguel municipal mayor Hon. Michael Corilla, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) Lilibeth Empedrad, and DSWD Field Office Caraga Assistant Regional Director for Administration Ramil Taculod.
“On behalf of our Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga, ako ipasalig nga ang DSWD dili muhunong sa pag tabang, kooperar, ug pag mugna og mga proyekto alang sa pag sugpo sa Child Labor,” Taculod said in his message of support.
Moreover, DSWD extended Educational Assistance worth Php5,000 to 37 former child laborers. On the other hand the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) SDS Field Office provided livelihood projects to the parent-beneficiaries, and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) Office of SDS , LGU San Miguel distributed food and non-food items to beneficiaries.
Mayor Corilla emphasized his gratitude to DSWD and other government agencies who extended support to San Miguel and its people during his message of acceptance.
DSWD through its Sectoral Unit and other partner-stakeholders, intensifies its campaign to eliminate child labor and further strengthen its commitment in the delivery and implementation of SHIELD.
