DOLE: Report child labor thru the internet

By Susan G. De Leon

Friday 8th of June 2012

MANILA, June 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment urges the public to report child labor incidence using the internet.

This, as the labor department launched the web site against child trafficking called CLKSS, or the Child Labor Knowledge Sharing System.

The CLKSS is DOLE’s anti-child labor data hub which can be found on the website of the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC).

In a news release, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said that anyone can register or log on to the CLKSS portal and gain access to its programs and services and participate in anti-child labor forums or discussions.

The CLKSS portal, clkss.org.ph, is maintained by the BSWC and was developed by the labor department, in cooperation with the International Labor Organization and the Federation of Free Workers, to facilitate the utilization of child labor data through the Internet and the new media, especially in support of national and local child labor policy development and program design.

According to the labor chief, the CLKSS was designed for sharing relevant and real-time data, enhance communication, improve program monitoring and automate child labor case referrals.

Baldoz added that in coordination with the DOLE’s social partners, the CLKSS’s automated referral and reporting system allows concerned individuals to inform appropriate agencies about child labor incidence in their communities.

The automated reporting system, according to the labor chief, will open up information channels, which can then be translated into statistics and action against child-labor offenders.

With monitored data or information on child labor available in an instant, the faster it will be for authorities to implement DOLE’s Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program.

Baldoz explained that the renewed fight against child labor and its worst forms is part of President Aquino’s 22-point labor and emplyment agenda and the Labor and Employment Plan 2011-2016, which call for the pursuit, apprehension and prosecutiion of those engaged in illegal and predatory activities, especially traffickers that target women and children. (DOLE/RJB/SDL-PIA NCR)