Child labor drops in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The number of child laborers working in sugarcane areas in Cebu has decreased by over 95 percent in the past five years since the implementation of the ABK3 LEAP program funded by the United States Department of Labor through World Vision Development Foundation Incorporated.

ABK means Pag-aaral ng Bata para sa Kinabukasan. It is an initiative which sought to reduce labor through education and combat worst forms of child labor.

Jason P. Befus, operation manager of ABK3 LEAP, said from 1,614 child laborers in October 2011, the number has significantly decreased to only 79.

The ABK3 LEAP program gives livelihood, education, advocacy and protection to reduce child labor in sugarcane areas. It has also helped the parents and the individuals in sugarcane community.

 “Livelihood is the key component; we really work with parents on income generation especially diversifying from sugarcane. Many of the parents are labors, and they are working five to six months out of the year and nothing else so we really focused in alternative livelihoods like hog raising, helping in the sari-sari shops and other alternatives,” Befus said

The foundation also gave school supplies to children who work in the sugarcane areas to support their education.

World Vision Development Foundation has also introduced the Community Managed Savings and Credit Association (CoMSCA) in sugarcane communities to provide savings and loan facilities.

Cherrilyn R. Duyag, community volunteer in Barangay Caputatan Sur, Medellin, said they were very thankful that CoMSCA was introduced to them. It made parents financially wise and stopped gambling.

“Nindot ni siya kay mapalayo sa mga parents ang bisyo, ila nalang ihulog sa CoMSCA ang ilang kwarta kay sa ilang isugal,” Duyag said.

Kaye Balagtas, former child laborer, shared how her life was changed because of the ABK3 LEAP program. Balagtas is now enrolled at the Cebu Normal University-Medellin taking up Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hotel Management.

“We encourage everybody para ipadayon ang ABK3 LEAP program sa World Vision. Ganahan mo na nay mobalik ninyo na NGO? Show to them na worth it mo tabangan,” she said.

Recto Toring, head teacher of Combado Elementary School in Bogo City, admitted that he used to be one of the child laborers in sugarcane areas. He shared how hard work and determination have made him a person that he is today.

“Ako ang gi-highlight sa akong mga estudyante ang determination. World Vision, biyaan man mi ninyo, but your teachings will always be in our hearts,” Toring said.

World Vision data shows that it has significantly lowered the child labor incidents in the country over the past five years since the program has started.

According to the foundation, it has supported 53,613 children in formal schooling, 1,242 were trained as little teachers, and 415 were trained as adult para-teachers.—(FREEMAN)