DOLE IV-A KICKS OFF INFORMATION AND SERVICE CARAVAN ON CHILD LABOR PREVENTION AND ELIMINATION PROGRAM IN BATANGAS

As part of its continuous action in achieving a child-labor-free Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office IV-A spearheaded the first Information and Service Caravan on Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) for 100 children with their parents from various municipalities in the province of Batangas at Rosario Sports and Cultural Center, February 20.

The activity highlighted the pledge of key government agencies including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD), Civil Service Commission (CSC), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Justice (DOJ), National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Philippine Human Rights Commission (PCHR), and other Regional Council Against Child Labor (RCACL) members from various agencies.

In his message, DOLE IV-A Regional Director Atty. Erwin N. Aquino emphasized the essence of the event in eradicating the incidence of child labor in the region. He further stated that the collaborative efforts of the participating agencies will serve as a huge step in achieving the goal of zero child labor in the Philippines.

DOLE IV-A Regional Director, Atty. Erwin N. Aquino delivers his keynote message with a strong emphasis on the collective efforts of national agencies and private partners in combating child labor. (Photo by Arlene Garcia)

“Tayo ay magtulong tulong upang mas mapalawak pa ang ating adbokasiya at konkretong solusyon sa mga kababayan. Sama sama po nateng proteksyonan ang kaligtasan ng mga bata at itaguyod ang isang child-labor free Philippines tungo sa isang lipunan na kung saan ang mga bata ay malayang nakakapagaral, malayang nakakapaglaro at malayang lumaki sa isang ligtas at makatarungang kapaligiran,” Atty. Aquino remarked.

Furthermore, the activity also provided a service caravan including access to the programs of the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, PSA, Philsys, Medical and Dental missions, and skills demos from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), DOLE’s Social Amelioration and Welfare Program and information desk.

For Project Angel Tree, the Philippine Dental Association - Batangas provided dental kits, the Philippine Manufacturing of Murata and the Uni Philippines companies turned over packs of snacks, and the National University Lipa and the DOLE also handed over school supplies for all children. Other Angels also provided monetary support including Nutriline Inc. and the Office of Congresswoman Lianda Bolilia.

Around 100 children received gifts from several public and private benefactors who extended their support in the provision of the basic needs of children previously engaged in hazardous work. (Photo by Arlene Garcia)

One of the child beneficiaries who used to work in the agriculture industry shared her utmost appreciation for the Department’s provision of gifts such as school supplies, food, financial assistance, and medical supplements and services through the public and private agencies that participated in the event.

Aside from these services, the DOLE IV-A also awarded livelihood assistance to select parents of child laborers from San Juan, Batangas.

Ms. Marife De Torres, her child used to do sewing tasks alongside her and her husband doing construction work, since most of the time, their family lacks the financial capacity to sustain their day-to-day needs.

Now that they received an enhancement livelihood package for her sewing business, Ms. De Torres vowed to not engage his child in hazardous work.

Through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, Ms. De Torres received an enhancement of her existing sewing enterprise as a sustainable assistance for their family. (Photo by Arlene Garcia)

“Ito po ay napakalaking tulong sa aming pamilya lalo na po sa pag-aaral ng aking anak na high school po ngayon…Ang anak ko po ngayon ay [maging] talagang focus na sa pag-aaral n’ya,” she eagerly shared.

As the jam-packed activity commenced, several domestic workers who won during the provincial search for talented kasambahays also showcased their singing skills and entertained the participants. Moreover, DOLE IV-A also designed a designated photo booth and photo exhibit during the event.

Prior to the program proper, DOLE IV-A Batangas Provincial Office Focal Person for CLPEP discussed the salient provisions of Republic Act No. 9231 to distinguish the definition of child labor and child work and reiterate the Department’s guidelines on eliminating child labor in all industries.

In the next coming quarters for 2025, DOLE IV-A will conduct another set of information and service caravans in the remaining provinces of Rizal, Cavite, and Quezon with the same goal of taking action against child labor.