DOLE Guimaras caravan boosts child labor protection

JORDAN, Guimaras — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Western Visayas brought child protection services, government programs and livelihood opportunities closer to vulnerable families during an information and service caravan in Jordan, Guimaras.

The caravan, held Sept. 24 at the Jordan Municipal Gymnasium in Barangay Poblacion, gathered 250 participants, including 150 beneficiaries composed of child laborers and their parents or guardians from Jordan, Sibunag, San Lorenzo, Buenavista and Nueva Valencia.

Carrying the theme “Sama-samang Pagkilos Para sa Bagong Bukas ng mga Batang Manggagawa,” the activity formed part of DOLE Western Visayas’ campaign to protect children from hazardous and harmful work while helping their families access government assistance, skills development and livelihood opportunities.

The initiative also supports broader government efforts to bring social protection and livelihood services directly to vulnerable communities.

DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino and DOLE Western Visayas Regional Director Sixto “Popoy” Rodriguez Jr. have pushed stronger collaboration with local governments, national agencies and other stakeholders in addressing child labor and protecting children across the region.

The Guimaras caravan provided families with information on children’s rights, child protection, online safety and alternative livelihood opportunities.

Discussions covered child labor and child work; online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse or exploitation material (CSAEM); Technical Education and Skills Development Authority skills development programs; the Department of Trade and Industry Guimaras Magnegosyo Program; and the Department of Social Welfare and Development SHIELD Program.

A pledge of commitment highlighted the collective responsibility of government agencies, partners, parents, guardians and communities to protect children from harmful activities and provide them with safe and nurturing environments.

The commitment also emphasized International Labour Organization Convention No. 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work.

The Philippines ratified ILO Convention No. 190 in 2024, becoming the first Asian country to ratify the international labor standard addressing violence and harassment in the world of work.

The caravan also provided beneficiaries with services and assistance from partner agencies and sponsors.

These included free massages, haircuts, manicures and pedicures, medical consultations, vitamins and supplements.

Beneficiaries also received three kilograms of rice, slippers, tote bags with school supplies, tumblers, umbrellas, advocacy shirts and groceries, while raffle prizes included water jugs and gallons.

DOLE said protecting children from child labor requires not only enforcement but also education, family support, livelihood opportunities, accessible government services and strong community partnerships.

The approach reflects DOLE’s Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program, which combines awareness campaigns with welfare and livelihood support for child laborers and their families.

Preliminary government figures for 2025 showed an estimated 868,000 working children ages 5 to 17 nationwide, including 513,000 engaged in child labor.

Republic Act No. 9231 prohibits the worst forms of child labor and strengthens protections for working children, including restrictions on hazardous work that could harm their health, safety or morals.

The Guimaras caravan underscored the message that children should have the opportunity to learn, play, grow and dream without the burden of harmful work.

As DOLE Western Visayas and its partners continue working toward safer communities, the campaign carries a simple call: “Let kids be kids — because every child deserves a childhood and a better tomorrow.”