CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Calabarzon, together with its partners, has vowed to strengthen its efforts and collaboration to end child labor in the region.
In celebration of the fifth anniversary of the institutionalization of the National Council Against Child Labor (NCACL) recently, various government agencies signed a memorandum of understanding affirming their commitment and support to eliminate child labor in Calabarzon.
These agencies include the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
In her message, DOLE Assistant Secretary Amuerfina R. Reyes emphasized the significance of sectoral collaboration through the establishment of NCACL in achieving a child labor-free Philippines and ensuring firm protection for the rights and welfare of every child.
“This council, composed of 19 government agencies and representatives from the employer sector, worker sector, and non-government organizations, represents a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. We are all in this together, working hand in hand for the future of our youth,” she said.
She added, “We hope to see a day in our country when there are no longer issues or problems with child labor, and every child in the Philippines will have the opportunity to study, live comfortably, and have a bright future.”
Joseph Torado, 44, a farmer from Rizal Province and father of a former child laborer in the region, thanked DOLE for the support and interventions they received under the agency’s Integrated Livelihood Program. He stated that the assistance from DOLE has brought substantial gains for his family and improved the education of his children.
Angel Noreen Manambay, a former child laborer and now a beneficiary of the Government Internship Program, expressed her gratitude for the government’s support through DOLE, which helped her continue her studies despite a lack of financial resources.
“Now, I am a beneficiary of the Government Internship Program at the Rizal Provincial Office. Because of this opportunity, I have been able to help my family, and I am happy to be working in a good environment. That’s why I am now one of those helping and inspiring other child laborers to continue their studies,” she said.
As part of the celebration of NCACL’s institutionalization, DOLE organized a service caravan to raise awareness about the causes and effects of child labor among identified child laborers and their parents.
The labor department also awarded livelihood assistance and offered several services, including free medical consultations, laboratory tests, tooth extractions, oral prophylaxis, dental check-ups, massages, HIV screening, PhilSys registration, skills demonstration sessions, and other family-friendly events and activities. (CO/PIA-4A)
