SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), as the lead agency for child labor prevention and elimination, continues to implement various programs to address the needs of identified child laborers in Antique.
DOLE Senior Labor and Employment Officer Benjie Requintina in a radio program with Philippine Information Agency-Antique aired at 91.7 Radyo Natin FM, highlighted DOLE’s commitment in eliminating child labor and improving the lives of children and their families in the province.
He noted that DOLE’s child labor prevention and elimination program begins with the profiling of children engaged in hazardous work to identify their location, nature of work, and specific needs.
Through this profiling, DOLE has recorded over 6,800 child laborers in Antique since 2018. However, this figure represents only a portion of the province’s child laborers, as profiling depends on the annual budget allocated to DOLE.
Identified child laborers and their families are referred to various government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), provincial government, and Local Government Units (LGU) for interventions such as livelihood support, educational assistance, and medical services.
Requintina emphasized that DOLE continuously monitors the status of identified child laborers to ensure that government interventions meet their needs and prevent them from returning to hazardous work.
According to him, 1,426 child laborers have been removed from hazardous work, though some remain untraceable due to relocation, and 10 have been reported deceased
In addition to profiling, the agency has provided 206 livelihood packages to parents of child laborers, including support for small businesses like livestock raising and mini-stores to generate extra income and reduce reliance on child labor.
One of DOLE’s initiatives is the “Project Angel Tree” which was already implemented during the global celebration of World Day Against Child Labor in three municipalities, mainly in Hamtic, San Remigio, and Tibiao.
This initiative benefited over 300 children engaged in labor and parents with social services, children’s rights discussions, and free haircuts.
DOLE attributed the success of its child labor initiatives in Antique to the collective support of local leaders, Public Employment Service Office(PESO) managers, sponsors, and public and private sectors.
These initiatives highlight DOLE’s dedication to eradicating child labor and securing a better future for the younger generation. (AGP/PSM/ PIA Antique with reports from YPA/DOLE/GIP)
