Negros Oriental, led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and in collaboration with local government units, is tackling child labor by monitoring working children and ensuring they receive proper education.

“The government has placed emphasis on the elimination of child labor in the country and to protect them from exploitation,” said Vivencio Lagahid, DOLE-Negros Oriental director, at the celebration of the 123rd World Day Against Child Labor on June 12.

Children in Negros Oriental are often found working in sugarcane fields, as house helpers or assisting their parents as street vendors. 

Lagahid emphasized the importance of education, saying, “We want to make sure that these children must be in school during school days.”

Education and opportunity

In 2021, a report by the United States Department of Labor found that 2.1 million Filipino children aged 5 to 17 are involved in child labor. 

Among children aged 7 to 14, approximately 2.1% balance work with school, while around 2% aged 5 to 14 work without attending school at all.

In line with this, DOLE partnered with the Bais City government to celebrate World Day Against Child Labor on June 12 and distribute school supplies, hygiene kits and rice to child laborers and their families. 

This year’s event also included an educational component, with attendees briefed about labor laws, particularly those concerning child labor and children’s rights.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority also trained the parents of child laborers in cooking and baking.

Livelihood programs for parents

Recognizing the economic factors that contribute to child labor, DOLE is also providing support to the parents of child laborers. 

In February, DOLE distributed P2.1 million in livelihood assistance to farmers and parents in Negros Oriental. This included farm machinery for associations and individual starter kits for parents venturing into small businesses.

The fight against child labor in Negros Oriental is ongoing. While DOLE has identified child laborers in Bais City and surrounding areas, the exact number across the province remains unknown.

Lagahid has called on local governments to join forces with DOLE to remove children from the workforce and place them back in schools.