CHILD labor persists in Western Visayas as a symptom of broader economic distress. Last year, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 6 profiled an alarming 12,800 child laborers. This calls for a deeper examination of the economic pressures that compel families to rely on their children for financial support.
Child labor is a communal crisis, driven by economic necessity rather than choice. The regional profile of child laborers reveals the precarious economic situations many families face, often leading them to make the dire choice of involving their children in labor to meet basic needs. DOLE-6’s recent allocation of P32 million to fund livelihood projects for parents of these child laborers is a commendable step, aiming to ease the financial burdens that fuel this crisis. However, while such initiatives provide necessary relief, they are merely a starting point.
The economic foundation of child labor suggests that short-term financial aid is insufficient. There is a need for sustainable livelihood programs that offer long-term economic stability to these families. These programs should not only aim to provide immediate financial relief but also foster skills development, entrepreneurship, and access to markets, creating a robust environment where families can thrive without resorting to child labor.
The involvement of multiple government agencies like the Department of Education (DepEd), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in addressing the consequences of child labor cannot be overemphasized. However, their efforts need to be synchronized to not just address the symptoms but the root causes—primarily, the lack of sustainable income and educational opportunities. For instance, while TESDA provides skills training, these efforts must be closely linked with real job opportunities that match the local economic landscape and community needs.
Additionally, community awareness and involvement are important in eradicating child labor. Programs initiated by DOLE-6, such as the “Project Angel Tree,” which offers aid to child laborers and their families, are smart. Yet, the effectiveness of such initiatives depends significantly on the active participation and support of local communities. Awareness campaigns must go beyond informational outreach and mobilize community action that supports at-risk families and integrates child labor prevention into the fabric of community development.
The challenge of child labor in Western Visayas is not just a matter of enforcing laws or providing temporary financial aids; it is about fundamentally reshaping the economic landscapes in which these children and their families live. We must advocate for policies that ensure economic growth is inclusive and beneficial to all, especially the marginalized families who feel they have no choice but to send their children to work.
We must push for a future where no child is deprived of their childhood, education, or potential due to economic hardship.
