by: Therence Mae Lamban & Angeline Micoy
CHILDFUND Philippines partnered with Kaanib Foundation and HaUman Association Inc. on on April 27 to initiate a program that addresses child labor through acceptable work conditions.
The program will pilot in three provinces of Mindanao: Malaybalay, Bukidnon; Carmen, Davao del Norte; and Alamada, North Cotabato.
It aims to strengthen the capacities of civil organizations, local government units, and agencies in safeguarding children from the hazardous work of child labor through sustainable interventions and enacting relevant government policies.
In the country, There are 1.37 million working children under 5 – 17 years old in the country, and 935,000 children are involved in hazardous work. Of this figure, 138,310 children are from Northern Mindanao; 79,343 in Soccsksargen; and 37,152 in Davao del Norte.
Alvin Dumduma, project coordinator of ChildFund Philippines, described hazardous work as labor that deprives children of education and the right to develop as healthy adults and productive citizens.
“ mga trabaho na nakikita natin na sila ay nasa sikat ng araw for a long number of hours, mga batang nagbubuhat ng mga mabibigat na trabaho at hindi appropriate sa kanilang edad, mga trabahong napu-put risk yung kanila health, yung kanilang opportunity to learn and to enjoy (These are the works where we can see them under the scourging heat of the sun for a long number of hours, children that aren in heavy labor that is inappropriate for their age, works that put their health at risk, their opportunity to learn and enjoy”), he said.
The program will also work closely with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), other government agencies, provincial and municipal local governments, down to the barangay councils for reinforcement.
