DOLE 12 orients businesses on anti-child labor law

Tuesday 3rd of July 2012

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 3 (PIA) -- The South Cotabato field office of the Department of Labor and Employment has embarked on an activity to apprise employers on Republic Act 9231, otherwise known as “An Act Providing for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labor.”

Edwin Morales, head of DOLE-South Cotabato field office, said at least 23 employers, all micro-enterprises, were oriented on RA 9231 during the technical advisory visit (TAV) seminar held in nearby Tampakan town last week.

TAV is a developmental approach that aims to enhance the business operations of small and micro-enterprises, and promotion for a child labor-free workplace is one of the topics. It is part of the department’s inspection program designed to monitor compliance with labor standards, including prohibition of employment of minors.

Morales said the activity was also in support to the nationwide “Batang Malaya: Child Labor-Free Philippines" campaign of the department.

He said micro-enterprises, establishments employing nine or less workers, comprise about 91 percent of the total number of establishments in the country and play a vital role in the elimination or reduction of the worst forms of child labor.

During the TAV, DOLE-South Cotabato officials explained the Act, particularly on the conditions for employment of children 15 years of age but below 18.

Morales said the department has issued Department Advisory No. 01-08, series of 2008, wherein employment of young persons aged 15 to 17 years old is already allowed, provided that they shall not be allowed in any hazardous undertaking.

With the advisory, the DOLE issuance of work permit or certificate to young workers aged 15 to 17 years is no longer required.

Morales also said employers committed to help the department in its advocacy for a child labor-free Philippines.

On May 18, DOLE 12 also launched its campaign for child labor-free barangays along with the celebration of the Labor Month.

Highlight of the event was the declaration of Barangay Kematu in Tboli to eliminate and prohibit deployment of minor and underage children within the mining site by passing Resolution No. 8 series of 2012.

DOLE and other government agencies have identified 64 child laborers working as "abanteros," packers and haulers in the gold mining tunnels in the area. These minors have been "freed" and are now back to school.

Mantilla said they are specially giving more attention to the “poorest of the poor” barangays across the region that could be declared child-labor free.

She added however that this move does not exclude other areas from their child-labor monitoring activities.

She also assured that parents of child laborers will be provided training and livelihood and entrepreneurial assistance.

“Once parents are provided with work where they can get income, they may be prevented from sending their children to work,” she said.

Earlier this year, DOLE 12 reported that child labor in the entire Soccsksargen Region has not been prevalent in manufacturing and industries but has been a concern in the informal sector where children are required to earn income from working in agriculture as harvesters along with other members of family or from peddling vegetables and the like. (DED/PIA 12 with report from Charmaine Dawn Ladot-Sonsona-DOLE 12)