DOLE-led convergence program strengthens national drive vs child labor, aids 100 children in Surigao Sur
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
HINATUAN, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — A total of 100 profiled child laborers from Surigao del Sur were given access to government services and renewed hope during the national celebration of the World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL) held on June 18 in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
Led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga through the DOLE-Surigao del Sur Field Office, in partnership with the International Labor Organization (ILO)-Canada project on Strengthening Freedom of Association and Action against Child Labor in the Philippines (FOA-CL), the activity is part of the government’s efforts to eliminate child labor through a whole-of-government convergence approach anchored on the national agenda of strengthening social protection, reducing poverty, and ensuring children’s access to education and development opportunities.
Dubbed ‘Laya at Laro: Information and Service Caravan on Child Labor Prevention and Elimination,’ the celebration featured the ‘Batang Malaya’ activity and Kids Town service caravan, where children participated in interactive learning sessions, traditional ‘laro ng lahi’ games, and the dream wall activity that encouraged them to express their aspirations. The initiative aimed to provide psychosocial support while reinforcing children’s right to education, play, and protection.
Aside from recreational and learning activities, the beneficiaries received essential assistance, including school supplies, hygiene kits, nutritional packs, and healthcare services, through the convergence of national government agencies, local government units, private sector partners, and civil society organizations under the Regional Council Against Child Labor.
Parents and guardians were also provided with access to government services and information sessions on child labor prevention and livelihood opportunities.
DOLE reported that based on profiling and validation under the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP), cases of child labor in the area are largely driven by household financial distress, education-related expenses, and parental abandonment, with some children left under the care of grandparents.
To help address these vulnerabilities, 100 parents and guardians were enrolled in the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program, each receiving ₱513,600 in wages for 10 days of community work. In addition, beneficiaries were awarded Certificates of Entitlement under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) to support income-generating activities at the household level.
Among those who shared their experiences was Mylen Potenciando, a grandmother who has been caring for her grandson since kindergarten after the child’s mother left to work in Manila, and the father abandoned the family. She said she continues to fulfill both parental roles despite poverty.
“Badihay pagpasalamat ko sa pag apil sine na program tungod kay badihay na ine na tabang,” she said, expressing gratitude for the government assistance, which she said helps sustain their daily needs and motivates her grandson to pursue his education.
Another beneficiary, Grade 7 student Henessy Vengco, shared his determination to finish his studies despite financial challenges. He expressed his dream of taking an engineering course in the future, saying education remains his pathway out of poverty.
Aligned with the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen the campaign against child labor, the event was attended by DOLE officials led by Assistant Secretary Amuerfina R. Reyes of the Workers’ Welfare and Protection Cluster, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns Director Leilani M. Reynoso, and DOLE Caraga Director Jason P. Balais, together with representatives from the International Labour Organization, the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur, the local government of Hinatuan led by Mayor Tito Cañedo, and other partner agencies.
This year’s celebration carried the theme “Ikaw, Ako, Tayo: Sama-samang Pagkilos para sa Batang Malaya,” underscoring the shared responsibility of government and stakeholders in ending child labor and ensuring that every child is free to learn, play, and dream. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
