ZAMBOANGA CITY — Cases of child labor have steadily declined following implementation of a long-term program on preventive and protective strategies, according to a labor official.
Director Chita Cilindro of the Bureau of Women and Young Workers said a recent survey on the number of child workers between 15 and 17 years old indicated a steady decline of 9.1 percent in the period 2003-2004 and 8.3 percent between 2004 and 2005.
Among the measures adopted by the Department of Labor and Employment are:
• Gender awareness,
• Cultural sensitivity,
• Sustainable development,
• Child and youth participation, and
• Inter-agency collaboration.
DOLE regional director Carlos Boteros said the Department of Education recently launched the “Project Angel Tree,” which is the production of alternative educational modules.
“It would be more meaningful if we elicit increased community participation instead of relying on international agencies as financiers,” he said. – Roel Pareño