SAN JOSE, Antique – Everyone is encouraged to join a walk for the benefit of child laborers in Antique.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) set the date of the event on May 1, Labor Day.
“Aside from giving significance on the celebration of the Labor Day on May 1, the walk for a cause will also feature advocacy campaign against child labor,” said DOLE provincial director Melisa Navarra.
The program will be held at St. Anthony’s College in this capital town, Navarra added.
She stressed that multi-sectoral groups must participate in the walk and get involved in the campaign for a child labor-free community in the province.
Participants will gather at the provincial capitol ground at 5:30 a.m. The walk will begin at 6 a.m. going to St. Anthony’s College.
The registration fees are at P100 (without advocacy shirt) and P250 (with advocacy shirt). Voluntary donations will also be accepted.
Proceeds of the event will be used to school supplies and other needs of children who are at risk of dropping out of school due to labor.
DOLE is currently profiling child laborers working in various sectors and industries, particularly those working in hazardous environments and experiencing the worst forms of child labor such as mining, construction, and pornography, among others.
The agency also offers assistance to families of child laborers like the Kabuhayan Package and emergency assistance.
DOLE has so far declared eight villages in Antique as “child labor-free barangays.” These are barangays Zaragosa and Tagudtud North in Bugasong, barangays Bonsod and Binanogan in Valderrama, barangays Guimbanga-an and Santiago in Laua-an, and barangays Lumboyan and Biri n Barbaza. (With Pilar Mabaquiao/PIA/PN)
