THREE victims of human trafficking in Zamboanga Peninsula hoping to rebuild their lives were given a chance to have sustainable livelihood with Kabuhayan Starter Kits from the labor department.
The livelihood project was implemented under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program in partnership with the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center in Region 9.
The livelihood support is composed of grocery items and sacks of rice that the beneficiaries could use to start a sari-sari store.
“It is unfortunate that some of our OFWs have fallen victim to human trafficking. We hope that the livelihood assistance provided by the department would help provide their daily needs as they endeavour to rebuild their lives,” Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said.
One of the recipients – whose name was withheld for protection – fell victim to illegal recruitment and worked in Damascus, Syria in 2019 as a domestic worker. She was mistreated and abused by her employers which prompted her escape to the Philippine Embassy to seek help and repatriation.
“Maraming salamat po sa PNP na nag assist at nagdala sa amin sa DOLE para mabigyan po ng ganitong kabuhayan. Salamat din po sa DOLE at sa mga staff sa pag-aasikaso sa amin ng mabuti. Sana po ay marami pa kayong matulungan na kagaya naming biktima ng human trafficking,” said the victim.
DOLE 9 Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe, in his message, also lauded the efforts of the PNP-WCPC in endorsing potential beneficiaries to avail the agency’s programs and services.
“Thank you to our law enforcement officers for not only protecting citizens from criminals, but for also being links between the victims to avail of the livelihood assistance. This might only be small-scale assistance but the expansion of this business lies in your hands,” Director Buenafe said
