PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Antique has appealed to private groups to support its Angel Tree initiative for children engaged in or vulnerable to labor.
The program, scheduled for May 1 in line with Labor Day activities, aims to provide school supplies and other basic needs to selected beneficiaries.
Senior Labor and Employment Officer Benjie Requintina said the agency was encouraging donations from businesses and individuals to support the outreach.
He explained that contributions could help address the immediate needs of children identified during profiling activities in the province.
A total of 47 children from Barangays Bongbongan I, Bongbongan II, and Masanag in Hamtic town were listed as beneficiaries.
Many of them were found assisting their families in tasks such as farming, charcoal production, and hauling.
Officials said these children were classified as at risk due to their involvement in potentially hazardous work.
Aside from school supplies, local government units and partner agencies are expected to provide food packs, snacks, and medical services during the event.