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Monday, October 31, 2005
Regional body to monitor child labor pushed
THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) is pushing for the activation of a region-wide inter-agency body that would monitor cases of child labor in Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region.
Emil Moambing, Region 12 coordinator of Dole's national program against child labor, said they are currently coordinating with various local governments and concerned agencies for the establishment of a "Sagip Bata Manggagawa" quick action team in all 45 municipalities and five cities in the region.
"These quick action teams will handle the monitoring and rescue operations for children who are victims of the worst forms of child labor such as prostitution and other high risk jobs," Moambing said.
Under Republic Act 9231 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, among those considered under the worst forms of child labor are jobs in quarrying, mining, deep sea fishing, domestic help, and prostitution.
In 2001, Moambing said the National Statistics Office recorded at least 320,000 working children in Region 12. He estimated the current figures at around 400,000.
Moambing said most of the working children aged 17 years old and below in the region are employed as agricultural workers, laborers in warehouses and public markets, domestic helpers and street vendors.
He said they have received reports about children who are into prostitution and laborers in small-scale mining activities.
According to Moambing under the law, children are not allowed to work under those classified as worst forms of child labor and should be rescued. (Allen V. Estabillo)
(October 31, 2005 issue)
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