Celebrating World Day against Child Labor

A bill abolishing the death penalty has been passed. The death convicts have been saved by the bill.

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So the death convicts have been saved. What now? They can now rest in peace.

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Some people here want the death penalty to stay. The vigilantes aren't doing a good job?

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It says here that obesity is a problem in China. The government is exerting much effort to solve this weighty problem and there's a fat chance it will succeed.

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Levity aside, the local celebration of the World Day Against Child Labor this month will be highlighted by the launching of the Cebu Labor Integrated Database today (June 9). The child labor database is a pilot project under the ILO-supported labor inspection program which the Department of Labor and Employment here is implementing.

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Elias A. Cayanong, Ceso IV, OIC-Regional Director of the DOLE-7, said in a letter that this child labor database is an attempt to fill the gap for data on child labor with emphasis on the six identified worst forms of child employment, namely: Prostitution, sugar plantation, deep-sea fishing, pyrotechnics, domestic work and mining and quarrying. The ceremonial launching today is co-sponsored by the Provincial Government of Cebu and this will culminate with the signing of a Memo of Agreement between and among DOLE and some institutional stakeholders.

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The launching of the Child Labor Integrated Database is an important undertaking as it will go a long way towards extending protection to the child - or minors - from being exploited by unscrupulous persons engaged in "worst forms" of child employment, including

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The former regional executives of the national agencies in Region 7 have regrouped and formed themselves into an organization, pooling their expertise and experience for the welfare of society. This I learned from Antolin M. de la Serna, who used to be with the Department of Public Information and Office of Media Affairs.

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The ''comebacking'' ex-regional execs have named their group AFRENA-7 (Association of Former Regional Executives) of National Agencies). Elected interim officers are: David S. Odilao Jr. (MYSD, Customs), president; Greg Bacolod (Parole and Probation), vice president for internal affairs; Rene Morales (Civil Service Commission), vice president for external affairs; Antolin M. de la Serna (DPI, OMA), executive secretary; Manuel Iway (LTO, LTFRB), finance officer; Ted Segura (OMA, PIA), auditor. The members of the board are Antonio Oppus (MCIAA), Jose Gapas (BFD) and Cresencio Rocamora (DPWH).

The rest of the members and those who signified to join the group are Benjamin Divinagracia, AFP; Elena Diola, DoST; Felix Abella, BI, DENR; Alfonso Saniel, GSIS; Sol Baclavon, DILG; Tiboy Fusilero, PNP; Godofredo Roperos, DPI; Alfonso Allere, LTFRB, MCIAA; Serafin Blanco, MHS; Isaias Giduqiou, CSC; Corazon Corales, BFAR; Ros Lofranco, Standards; Tomas Ramos, CSC;; Martiniana Mercado, DSWD; Florencio Villarin, NBI; Eladio Dioko, DepEd; Maj. Gen. Jun Gabison, AFP.

The rest of the former ARENA-7 members are urged to join the group. They may call Boy Odilao at 491-1285/0918-9406478 or Tolz de la Serna at 254-1231/0916-6488650.