ILOILO CITY (PIA) — Member agencies of the Regional Council Against Child Labor (RCACL) in Western Visayas and other partners have pledged support for efforts to eradicate child labor in the country.
Stakeholders affirmed the vow during the Information and Service Caravan on Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program and ILO Convention 190 or Violence and Harassment Convention 2019 Signing of Commitment in Iloilo City.
Western Visayas stakeholders solidified their pledge of support against child labor, backing the DOLE’s efforts in upholding the rights and welfare of children, giving them countless opportunities to thrive, and consequently usher them towards economic freedom.
In her keynote message on behalf of DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns OIC-Director Leilani Reynoso imparted the importance of the activity.
“Ang Philippine Program Against Child Labor ay ibinalangkas alinsunod sa Philippine Development Plan at Labor Employment Plan 2023-2028 na magpatupad ang pamahalaan ng isang holistic approach at siguraduhin na may sapat na programa at polisiya upang maprotektahan at masuportahan ang mga sektor na may higit na pangangailangan kabilang ang child laborers at kanilang pamilya,” Reynoso explained.
(The Philippine Program Against Child Labor was founded based on the Philippine Development Plan and Labor Employment Plan 2023-2028, mandating the government to implement a holistic approach and ensure that there are sufficient programs and policies protecting and supporting the marginalized sector including the child laborers and their families.)
Meanwhile, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 6 Assistant Regional Director Melisa S. Navarra expressed gratitude to all the DOLE’s partners, citing their presence as a testament to the convergent effort and commitment in appreciating its services for the profiled child laborers, as well as raising awareness and gathering support in the campaign against child labor.
“Childhood is an important and integral part of our life- it is the most fun and memorable time in anyone’s life. In childhood, dreams are built as it is the foundation of a child’s future. It is where the children should be developed by providing their needs and giving them proper education,” said Navarra.
She further mentioned the highlight of the event which is the commitment signing on ILO Convention 190 or Violence and Harassment Convention 2019.
“Convention 190 recognizes the rights of all workers whether in formal and informal setting, regardless of classification and respective employment status, to a world of work free from violence and harassment,” Navarra added.
Additionally, some participants were given access to various entrepreneurship programs through the release of livelihood checks to the parents of child laborers from Brgy. Sapal, San Lorenzo, Guimaras.
Simultaneous services were also offered for free including medical and dental services, processing of clearances and IDs, pampering services like haircut, massage, and nail care, exhibit and distribution of information materials, and other interactive activities or games for children.
Under the “Project Angel Tree,” a ceremonial distribution of school supplies, particularly bags containing various school items for child laborers from the various districts of Iloilo City was also conducted.
These activities aim to signify the labor department and partner agencies’ commitment to the welfare of the children and the eradication of child labor in the country. (AAL/AGP/PIA 6)
