Sunday, April 16, 2006
Agencies tie up to omit worst forms of child labor
By Victor L. Camion
"LET us not allow the future of our children and the future of our country, to wither and die away. Eliminate worst forms of child labor!" said Governor George Arnaiz.
Arnaiz made this statement in his speech in Bethel Guest House during the signing of the memorandum of government with local government units, non-government organizations, and the Church to eliminate the worst forms of child labor in Negros Oriental.
He said, "Young people have always been the future movers of our country."
"They will inherit the tradition, the heritage and pride that were earned by our ancestors throughout the years. Thus, we should liberate them from this bondage if we are to prepare them to be the next leaders of this country," he added.
Arnaiz also stressed children are meant to be nurtured and loved.
But despite this, he said, in many countries around the world, life-threatening abuses are perpetrated against children right in their own homes, in schools, on the streets, in their communities, in the workplace, and in combat zones.
Arnaiz further said in the Philippines, more than three and a half million children or one out of six, from ages 5 to 17 years old, work under often-grueling conditions, in spite of legislations outlawing child labor.
He said a child sacrifices his or her education to work, making child labor a threatening problem.
"I am glad that the St. Ma. Goretti Foundation is taking the lead in today's agreement signing," Arnaiz said.
Arnaiz congratulated the St. Ma. Goretti Development Education Foundation, Inc. for the "historic" signing of the agreement between local government units, non-government organizations, the Church, and the community to eliminate worst forms of child labor the province.
"I said historic because while we have been doing collaborate efforts in the last six years, this is the first time that we are actually putting on paper our resolve and commitment to eliminate the worst forms of child labor in the province," said Arnaiz.
The governor is optimistic that the collective presence of the different agencies symbolizes their commitment to eliminate the worst forms of child labor not only in this part of the country but also of the entire archipelago.
The agreement signing included not only mayors and barangay officials of at least five municipalities and one city in the province but also by officials of the International Labor Organization.
"Children, too often, lack a voice in the political sphere and need advocates working on their behalf," said Arnaiz.
He believed that the community and organizations could help raise awareness within civil society on the appalling abuses of children and join forces for a constructive action.
Under the agreement, the church and local government units would provide technical support, education and trainings as well as the capital to solve the problem.
The project would be implemented in two barangays of the municipalities of Ayungon, Bindoy, Mabinay, Siaton, Sta. Catalina, and Bais City, said Nanie Malayo, project provincial coordinator.
These areas recorded the most number of children working in worst forms of child labor in the province.
(April 13, 2006 issue)
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