The Institute for Labor Studies joined the celebration of World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL) last 8 November 2016 at St. Scholastica’s College, Manila. With a local theme “Walang Batang Naaabuso sa Paggawa ng Produkto,” the event underscored the importance of ending child labor in the supply chains.

In a keynote speech, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III emphasized the importance of education in removing child laborers from precarious working conditions. He also shared his personal experience of helping a child to reach her dreams through education.

Organized by the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC), a total of 634 school and community-based children from Regions III, IV-A, and NCR participated in various activities. High school students competed in Batang-Malaya Quiz Bee and Sabayang Pagbigkas, where OIC-DED Ms. Brenalyn A. Peji served as one of the judges. Other activities were focus group discussions on the involvement of children in the supply chain and skills workshop such as origami and canvass painting. Prior to the celebration, college students submitted their entries for the Pelikulaya para sa Batang Manggagawa Photo and Short Video Contest. Winners were given cash prizes and giveaways.

World Day Against Child Labor is the annual celebration started in 2002. DOLE’s active participation in the said activity is part of its campaign of increasing awareness in the elimination of child labor in the Philippines.

The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) is the policy research and advocacy arm of the Department of Labor and Employment. For more information on this story, please contact the Advocacy and Publications Division at 527-3490.