SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) — Hundreds of parents, local officials, and child’s rights duty-bearers undertake a pledge of commitment to support all activities geared towards ending all forms of child labor.
This was during a program held at the covered gym of the Municipality of Hamtic in observance of the World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL).
The parents and barangay officials collectively promised to support each other to ensure the best interest of children is considered in all development undertakings.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Provincial Director Ma. Cecilia Acebuque assured the parents that the government is committed to ensuring the children of families at risk of child labor are given proper intervention.
She also urged parents to ensure children are not exposed to hazardous labor that could compromise their health and safety, and hinder their right to education.
In observance of the World Day Against Child Labor, DOLE Antique initiates “Project Angel Tree” as a way to gather a network of supporters and advocates to contribute their resources, time, and efforts to respond to the needs and wishes of children of poor families.
DOLE Antique Senior Labor and Employment Officer Benjie Requintina said that Project Angel Tree in Hamtic was able to collect food packs, school supplies and bags, umbrellas, and other gift items essential for the education of 134 identified child laborers from 14 barangays of Hamtic.
Some of the sponsors of this year’s Project Angel Tree are Semirara Mining and Power Corporation, DMC Construction Equipment Resources, Inc., Integrated Multipurpose Cooperative, Antique Provincial Public Employment Services Office (PESO), Municipal Government of Hamtic, and Uswag Ilonggo Parylist.
Children and parents also participated in a discussion on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) facilitated by the Philippine Information Agency-Antique.
Likewise, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority presented to them the training programs the parents could avail to enhance their skills for livelihood and employment.
Sangguniang Bayan member Eva Pacificador also encouraged parents to train their children on some life skills as long as it does not compromise their rights to survival, development, protection, and participation.
The program was facilitated by the DOLE, the Municipality of Hamtic, and the Provincial Government of Antique through the PESO. (AGP/PSM/PIA Antique)
