MARAWI CITY (PIA)—The Bangsamoro Government, along with the International Labour Organization (ILO), is stepping up its efforts against child exploitation and the prevention of child labor in the Bangsamoro autonomous region.

Officials and representatives from the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) and the national government’s Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently gathered in the Bangsamoro Regional Action Plan Against Child Labour (BRAP-CL) Forum and discussed significant matters based on the actual situation of children on the ground.

Representing the national government, DOLE Undersecretary for Labor Relations, Policy, and International Affairs Cluster Lawyer Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio, Jr., presented the salient points of BRAP-CL.

Accordingly, BRAP-CL intends to end child labor in the region by 2030 through raising awareness, providing cash assistance and livelihood programs, building capacity, and establishing strong mechanisms with other stakeholders.

Bitonio further underscored the vital roles of other ministries, offices, academe, non-government organizations, and concerned agencies, including media organizations, as potential partners to eliminate child labor across the Bangsamoro region.

On the other hand, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said the Government of the Day makes sure that Bangsamoro children are safe from being exploited.
"I assure you that this government will do everything in its power to deliver the programs and services that our people have been long deprived of. This is one of many efforts of this government that only manifests our unwavering commitment to our vision of eradicating child labor practices across the region," Ebrahim added.

He also said that the leaders of BARMM are working together with other concerned partners who have projects and programs for the welfare and advocacy of children in order to create a fair and peaceful society.

In addition to providing technical support, the ILO also gave the ministry eight computer sets, furniture, a manual on child labor training, and other advocacy materials for the use of the child labor unit.
Meanwhile, MOLE Minister Muslimin Sema, who described himself as a victim of child labor during the armed struggle, took it into account in his strong commitment as the lead agency to work to eliminate and prevent child labor in the region.

"I will ensure that Bangsamoro children will enjoy their life stages and develop their skills and education," Sema said. (BIO/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)