ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Ilocos Region, along with the Regional Council Against Child Labor and the Alaminos City government, kicked off Project Angel Tree #Batang Malaya on Wednesday to raise awareness about the struggles of child laborers.
The launch, coinciding with the rollout of the Philippine Program Against Child Labor (PPACL) 2023-2028, aligns with the international observance of World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL) every June 12, which also falls on Philippine Independence Day.
“The activity aims to raise public awareness about the predicament of child laborers and to demonstrate the country’s solidarity in the worldwide campaign against child labor,” he said.
The activity provided services and assistance to children, including PPACL orientation, differentiating between child work and child labor, gift-giving, parlor games, food carts, medical and dental checkups, and grooming services.
At least 50 children from Alaminos City, Lingayen, Dasol, Bolinao, and Infanta received school supplies, slippers, hygiene kits, school bags, vitamins and medicines, seeds, fruit tree seedlings, blankets, and hand towels during the event.
“The goal of this project is to withdraw or remove all profiled laborers from child labor by providing school supplies, food, medicine, livelihood, and other assistance based on needs assessment and monitoring,” he said.
According to DOLE’s report, from 2018 to 2022, a total of 5,479 child laborers were profiled in Western Pangasinan.
“All of the said numbers were referred to various agencies for appropriate services. As of May 2024, 3,527 child laborers were withdrawn by age, and 1,952 are still child laborers that need interventions,” he added.
Vice Mayor Jan Marionne Fontellera, represented by Aura Jyny Villena, Executive Assistant III of the Office of the Vice Mayor, stressed the importance of community and government collaboration in addressing poverty.
She advocated for collective action to tackle the root causes that force families to resort to child labor.
“As we affirm our commitments, let’s remember that every child’s labor is not just our duty but our moral obligation. Together, with determination and action, we can create a future where every child is free to learn and play,” she said.
Meanwhile, Beverly Ginez, a resident of Bolinao, expressed her appreciation to the government for implementing a program that combats child labor and offers hope for families like hers, allowing them to dream of a brighter future where children can grow up safely.
This year’s World Day Against Child Labor carries the theme “Bawat Bata, Malaya: Mithiin ng Nagkakaisang Bansa.” (JCR/AMB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)
