DILG asks officials to address child labor issue

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed all local government executives to protect children from all forms of abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation and discrimination as stipulated in RA 9231 also known as an Act Providing for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labor.

In a Memorandum Circular 2011-133, Secretary Jesse Robredo directed all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, punong barangays and DILG regional directors to formulate local legislation to address child labor.

The memorandum also orders the local executives to integrate anti-child labor initiatives in their respective local development plans and programs.

DILG Regional Director Pedro Noval Jr. also issued a memorandum for all local government units to take appropriate action based on the DILG secretary’s order.

Noval reminded the local government executives that the Local Government Code of 1991 provides grounds for administrative disciplinary action against local elective officials who will not comply with the said directive.

 “Unlawful refusal to implement the provisions of the law such as R.A 9231 may constitute dereliction of duty and may give rise to administrative liability,” Noval said.

The worst forms of child labor as defined by Article 3 of the International Labour Organization Convention include all forms of slavery or practices; the use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography; the use, procurement or offering of a child for illicit activities and work which, by its nature is carried out to harm the health, safety or morals of children.

Robredo’s memorandum also encourage the chief executives to tap their respective Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPCs) to lead the implementation of all programs addressing problems and issues on child labor.

The National Labor Committee’s goal for 2011 to 2012 is the reduction of incidence of child labor in the country, particularly in family, community and other small informal business undertakings.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is the lead agency of this Committee with the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) as secretariat. — (FREEMAN)