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Twin commemorations draw attention to plight of child laborers
- Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1023378
- Wednesday June 19, 2019
- By Casandra E. Balala (PIA-5/Albay)
LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) — A child welfare group reminded the public about the Philippines’ obligation to get rid of child labor in the country.
The group Educo Philippines sounded the reminder as it marked the observance of World Day Against Child Labor last June 12, which took on a new meaning as it coincided with the 121st anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence.
Elaborating on this year’s theme, “Children shouldn’t work in field, but on dreams,” Educo Philippines asserted that "children should live in a world where they fully enjoy their rights in pursuing their dreams."
Educo Philippines communications specialist Grekka Sarmiento said poverty remains the primary reason why children in Filipino families opt to work and abandon school.
Educo Philippines' report on child education released in 2018 showed that child laborers eventually lose their interest in school and dropout.
Most of child laborers tend to help or supplement their family’s income that is why they prefer to work even at an early age.
In Bicol, only 85 percent of boys and 91 percent of girls finish elementary. Only half of these figures finish high school.
Educo also presented a study published on the CNU Journal of Higher Education in 2014 where dropping out from school by working children takes effect when the income is not enough.
Also, Educo affirmed that child labor is highest in the agriculture industry where children are part of producing rice, corn, bananas, rubber, sugarcane and even tobacco.
Child labor is also rampant in services and industry work such as producing fashion accessories, gold, pyrotechnics and even pornography. In line with this, Educo reiterated the State of the World’s Children by United Nations Children’s Fund citing that the Philippines has become the top global source of child pornography in 2017.
As an international development non-government organization working in education and the protection of children, Sarmiento stated that Educo has invested in strengthening structures that ensure child rights and child protection in communities around Bicol.
According to Educo, as the commemoration coincides with the 121st Independence Day celebration, genuine freedom and independence is yet to be felt by millions of families across the country who remain with limited access to decent work that pays enough for a person to lead a life of dignity.