Despite decline in cases: Central Visayas child labor still a concern

CEBU, Philippines —  From fishing and construction to farming, cases of child labor in Central Visayas remain a pressing concern despite a significant decline in figures as of May 2026.

This is according to the latest data presented by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-7. The agency assessed that the number of profiled child laborers dropped from 7,955 in 2025 to 1,856 as of May 2026.

The monitored cases, on the other hand, have also decreased from 8,976 to 2,683 during the same period.

In line with the observance of World Day Against Child Labor, representatives from various sectors, including Glenda N. Riel, Strategic Helpdesks for Information, Education, Livelihood, and Other Developmental Interventions (SHIELD) Program focal person of DSWD-7, and Roberto Cabardo, Information Officer III of DOLE-7, tackled the issue during the Kapihan sa PIA forum yesterday as they called for stronger and sustained action against child labor.

Anchored on the theme “Ikaw, Ako, Tayo: Sama-Samang Pagkilos para sa Batang Malaya,” the discussion focused on the collective responsibility of government agencies, local communities, civil society organizations, and families in ensuring that children spend their childhood learning, playing, and developing their full potential instead of working to survive.

Decline in cases

As of May 2026, a total of 1,856 child laborers have been profiled across Central Visayas. Of the total, 790 were females and 1,066 were males.

Cebu Province recorded the highest number of profiled child laborers at 975, including 410 females and 565 males.

Bohol registered 592 cases, consisting of 259 females and 333 males, while the tri-city area of Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City recorded a total of 289 cases, comprising 121 females and 168 males.

Meanwhile, 2,683 child laborers continue to be monitored under various government intervention programs aimed at preventing child labor and providing access to education, social protection, and other support services.

Of the total monitored cases, 1,105 were females and 1,578 were males. Among these, Cebu Province accounted for 1,218 cases, the tri-city area recorded 1,051, and Bohol registered 414 monitored child laborers.

Officials said the decline in figures reflects continuing efforts by government agencies and stakeholders to address the root causes of child labor through monitoring, advocacy, family assistance, and community-based interventions.

As of May 2026, a total of 104 parents and guardians of child laborers have received assistance under the Developmental Intervention for Livelihood Program (DILP), all from Cebu Province.

Officials determine these cases through coordination with barangay officials to identify households with children flagged as being at “risk of child labor.”

This includes children who are no longer attending school or are already engaged in work activities, which officials tag as “red flags.” Identified cases are profiled and placed under close monitoring, with verification conducted to ensure accuracy and proper assessment before intervention is provided.

Child worker vs. Child laborer

Officials further clarified the difference between a child worker and a child laborer.

As explained, a child worker refers to a “minor engaged in permissible work under regulated conditions”, often subject to time limitations and requiring proper work permits, particularly in sectors such as entertainment.

In contrast, child labor refers to work that deprives children of their childhood, interferes with schooling, or harms their physical, mental, and social development, including hazardous work environments and exploitative conditions.

Officials also noted that the nature of work among child laborers often depends on their environment and living conditions.

In coastal communities, children are more commonly engaged in fishing-related work, while those in urban areas may be exposed to construction work or other informal labor.

However, authorities also stressed that cases involving sexual exploitation are treated separately due to their highly severe and criminal nature.

Despite this, officials stressed that child labor remains a significant concern and called for sustained cooperation among stakeholders to ensure that every child is protected from exploitation and given opportunities to learn and thrive.

“Bohol naman lang ug Sugbo ang nalangkob sa Central Visayas pero take note, kanang 1, 856 taas gihapon na. Maong we need a village to eradicate this,” said Cabardo

Interventions continue

Meanwhile, interventions and programs from DOLE and DSWD continue to be strengthened and sustained in efforts to eliminate child labor.

According to Riel, their agency, SHIELD Program, is further intensifying its initiatives to support not only child laborers but also their families.

She explained that through the program, child laborers and their families can easily access services through Barangay Help Desks in their respective communities, where they can inquire about and avail themselves of available assistance.

"Also we have these advocacies, awareness raising, capacity buildings to our LGUs, to our local duty bearers, para ma strengthen gyud nato ang ilang mga efforts," Riel added.

She emphasized that combating child labor is not solely the responsibility of government agencies, barangays, and local government units (LGUs), but also of the public.

"Dako ta'g role as a community to save sa mga bata nga dili mahagbong sa any kind of exploitation or any kind of child labor," she emphasized.

Riel also shared that the Regional Council Against Child Labor (RCACL), composed of various government agencies in Central Visayas, plays a vital role in implementing interventions and activities aimed at eliminating child labor.

Another DSWD initiative is the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP), which provides rescued children involved in child labor, exploitation, and human trafficking with comprehensive care and support.

Highlighting poverty as the primary driver of child labor, DOLE Administrative Officer III Roberto Cabardo said the agency is becoming more strategic in implementing its programs and interventions.

Cabardo added that DOLE continuously monitors LGUs, cities, and provinces to help reduce the number of child labor cases, particularly in Central Visayas. He shared that DOLE assists families in Cebu Province through its Livelihood Grant Program, which provides parents with tools, kits, and materials to start sustainable sources of income.

For example, Cabardo said, in island communities where fishing is the primary source of income, DOLE provides fishing equipment and training to families who may lack the necessary knowledge and experience.

Furthermore, calling on the public, families, government agencies, LGUs, and the private sector to work hand in hand, DSWD emphasized that "children deserve to be safe, deserve to learn, to play, and to dream," underscoring the importance of protecting their future for the benefit of the country.  — Sofhia Grace Neri Marjorey B. Cantila CNU Interns (FREEMAN)