CITY OF MALOLOS – In observance of the World Day Against Child Labor, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bulacan Field Office, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bulacan through the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PPESO), conducted an advocacy activity on June 15, 2026 at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in this city.
Anchored on the theme “Ikaw, Ako, Tayo: Sama-samang Pagkilos para sa Batang Malaya,” the activity underscored the importance of a unified and collaborative approach among government agencies, local government units, private sector partners, and communities in protecting children from labor exploitation and promoting their rights and welfare.
A total of 122 parents of child laborers were provided with sari-sari store with bigasan livelihood packages valued at P30,000 each, while the children received school supplies, hygiene kits, and medicines. The assistance aims to help families meet their needs and prevent circumstances that may expose children to labor at an early age.
Representing Governor Daniel R. Fernando, James Santos underscored the importance of nurturing children with love, guidance, and support from both the family and the government.
“Sa ating mga magulang na narito ngayon, busugin po natin ng pagmamahal ang ating mga anak,” Santos said.
He further emphasized the Provincial Government’s continuing commitment to safeguarding the welfare of every young Bulakenyo.
“Ang bawat kabataang Bulakenyo ay nangangailangan ng mapagkalinga, mapagmahal, at mapag-arugang gobyerno. Kaya po sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Gobernador Daniel R. Fernando, lagi pong adbokasiya ng ating lalawigan na mahandugan ang bawat kabataan ng isang tahanang kakalinga at magpaparamdam na may mga magulang na kaakibat ng ating pamahalaan sa pagbibigay ng magandang kinabukasan para sa kanila,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns Bureau Director Leilani M. Reynoso shared that the Philippine Statistics Authority has reported a downward trend in the number of child laborers in the country, from 935,000 in 2021 to 509,000 in 2024.
“Malayo na ang ating narating ngunit malayo pa rin ang ating gagawin. So, ito po ay patuloy na hamon sa ating lahat. Sama-sama po tayong lahat sa pagsugpo sa usapin ng batang manggagawa, lalo na sa mga hazardous na pagawaaan,” she said.
The 2026 World Day Against Child Labor Celebration aims to reinforce multi-sectoral collaboration and strengthen partnerships in the prevention and elimination of child labor through various interventions, including capacity-building and awareness sessions; livelihood assistance; social protection through Project Angel Tree; child development and psychosocial activities; and creative expression and wellness support.
