02/07/2026
Knowledge has the power to transform lives, especially when it equips families with the skills and confidence to build a better future. Recognizing this, the Department of Labor and Employment XII – Sultan Kudarat Field Office (DOLE XII-SKFO) conducted a Learning Session on DOLE Programs and Services and Financial Literacy on June 30, 2026, at the SKFO Conference Room for parents and guardians of child laborers.
The activity gathered 34 participants who eagerly took part in the learning sessions, demonstrating their commitment to improving their families' economic well-being. More than just a seminar, the activity served as an opportunity for participants to gain practical knowledge and develop skills that can help them become financially responsible, market-ready, and better prepared for the challenges of managing a livelihood.
Throughout the session, participants learned essential financial management and entrepreneurship concepts, including proper record-keeping, sales management, saving and investing through banks, business planning, sourcing raw materials, and preparing for unforeseen circumstances that may affect their enterprises. These practical lessons aimed to empower parents and guardians to make informed financial decisions and strengthen the sustainability of their livelihood ventures.
One of the highlights of the activity was the discussion facilitated by Senior TSDS/UTPRAS Focal Person from PTC Lambayong, Sir Jerwin C. Virgo. He emphasized the importance of family income in meeting daily household needs and improving the overall quality of life. More importantly, he reminded participants that success in business does not come from a secret formula but from a combination of knowledge, perseverance, discipline, and sound financial management.
To help participants develop healthy financial habits, Sir Virgo shared four practical principles: know your income, prioritize expenses wisely, prepare a family budget, and save for the future. These simple yet powerful lessons encouraged participants to take a more proactive role in managing their finances and planning for their families' long-term goals.
The learning experience was further enriched through interactive business coaching sessions conducted by representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Sultan Kudarat. Mr. Gem Kathrin D. Urbano, STIDS; Mr. Bendylle Jade F. Sabado, STIDS; Ms. Hyrra Lei R. Caraso, TIDS; and Mr. John Carl C. Murillo, JRC, shared practical business insights and real-life entrepreneurial experiences. Through engaging discussions and hands-on activities, participants learned strategies on product presentation, business planning, customer engagement, and protecting business innovations.
Beyond acquiring technical knowledge, participants gained renewed confidence in their ability to manage and grow their livelihood ventures. The activity highlighted how financial literacy and entrepreneurship can contribute to reducing the risk of child labor by helping families achieve greater financial stability and self-reliance.
As the session concluded, participants left with not only new knowledge but also a clearer vision of how they can improve their livelihoods and create better opportunities for their children. Through initiatives like this, DOLE XII-SKFO continues to strengthen its commitment to empowering parents of child laborers through capacity-building interventions that promote financial responsibility, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic resilience.
By investing in the knowledge and capabilities of parents today, we help build stronger families, more resilient communities, and a brighter future for every child.
