MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)--Bukidnon, an agricultural province with the highest incidence of child labor, is taking strong measures to combat and eliminate child labor.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that in 2021, the number of working children in the country engaged in child labor was estimated at around 935,000. Fifteen in every 100 child laborers were in northern Mindanao. The agriculture sector reported the highest proportion of working children, at 45.7 percent in 2021.
In line with its commitment to safeguarding children's rights and protecting them from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, discrimination, and other detrimental conditions affecting their growth, the Department of Labor and Employment-Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (DOLE-10 Buk PFO), headed by Provincial Director Raul L. Valmores, recently participated in the project launch of ChildFund Philippines at the Ritz Hotel in Davao City.
The project, titled "Building Capacities of Civil Society Organizations, Local Government Units, and Government Line Agencies in Mindanao to Address Child Labor through Promotion of Acceptable Conditions of Work in Crop Agriculture," is an initiative of ChildFund Philippines with Kaanib Foundation, funded by the European Union (EU).
This two-year project will be carried out in Bukidnon province, specifically in four barangays of Malaybalay City.
Project coordinator Alvin Dumduma said this would focus on implementing sustainable community-based programs to stir awareness and promote a better understanding of child labor; enact relevant government policies; establish efficient reporting, referral, and response mechanisms against child labor; and enhance access for child laborers to the government’s allocation of resources, quality education, and training opportunities.
Anand Vishwakarma, ChildFund Philippines Country Director, emphasized that the road ahead is challenging.
"Together, we are one step closer to achieving the goal of a country where Filipino children and youths are not deprived of their childhood, potential, and dignity," he said.
Vishwakarma underscored the importance of a collaborative effort among the government, local communities, and other stakeholders in supporting children and their families.
The project launch aims to strengthen the capacities of civil society organizations (CSOs), local government units (LGUs), and government agencies (GAs) in crafting advocacy strategies, policies, and programs for prevention, protection, and removal of children from hazardous and exploitative work in Mindanao.
